Govt urged to ban mining near Komodo Park

JAKARTA: Experts have urged the central government to ban gold mining exploration near the Komodo National Park in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to help the park win nomination as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Kompas.com reported from Yogyakarta that Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) chairwoman Siti Maimunah claimed there were eight mining permits issued by West Manggarai administration although the regency was known as an agriculture area and was a growing tourism destination.

"Mining activities will threaten Komodo," she said at a seminar.

Meanwhile, Dambung Lamuara Djaja, a tourism consultant, said the local administration would receive less revenue should mining activities be allowed near Komodo National Park.

"Komodo National Park is a national and international icon. It brings the government an annual revenue of Rp 70 billion *US$7 million*. Mining activities near the park will only ruin the government's image as well as its revenue," Dambung said. - JP