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usinesses in East Java have been criticized for reluctance regarding preservation of the Mount Arjuna Forest despite their apparent economic benefit from the area.

As many as 483 businesses in the province are thought to make use of the Brantas river, which originates from the Arjuna forest area and passes through 12 cities and regencies within their area of business activity — including areas where industrial waste is allegedly disposed.

Kaliandra Sejati Foundation recently reported that only two industries were involved in the environment preservation drive through the Forest Care program.

The Mount Arjuna forest spans a total of 50,000 hectares encompassing five mayoralties and regencies in East Java — Pasuruan, Malang, Jombang, Mojokerto regencies and Batu municipality.

“The condition of forested areas, especially in Pasuruan regency remains at risk,” Kaliandra Sejati Foundation manager Rubby Emir told The Jakarta Post in Pasuruan.

Based on field studies, Mount Arjuna is still prone to illegal logging, forest conversion, forest fires and mining activities, he said.

The forest fire in Pasuruan in 2009 engulfed 600 hectares of the conservation forest area. Forest fires were reported to be threatening around 163 springs located around the mountain slope.

During a recent tree planting event, East Java Deputy Governor Saifullah Yusuf conceded the lack of interest among the industries in the province on the reforestation program.

“Planting trees is a long-term investment, and its benefit could only be gained later. Don’t just take advantage of Mount Arjuna, without being concerned of its preservation,” said Saifullah.

He added that through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds the companies could actually contribute hundreds, if not millions, of trees and plant them on the mountain’ slopes.

Saifullah said the drive was also offering an economic solution for residents living around the forest by looking after the area.

“As compensation, they will receive incentives from companies participating in preserving Mount Arjuna, such as cattle, fruit trees and non-timber plants grown among the trees. A sustained preservation of the Mount Arjuna forest is akin to maintaining the survival of 23 million people in East Java who rely on the five Brantas river basin areas,” said Saifullah.

The Kaliandra Sejati Foundation, together with the East Java provincial and Pasuruan regency administrations and the East Java Forestry Office, are currently managing 120 hectares of forest sponsored by two companies in East Java, PT HM Sampoerna and PT Aqua Golden Mississippi.

The area has planted 75,000 trees, which are said to be suitable to the topographical condition of the forest.

As many as 37 farmers from villages around the forest have been recruited to take part in protecting the trees.