Environment Issues Intentionally Exaggerated By Ngos

Pekanbaru, Riau, Sep 18 (Antara) - Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya claims that several environmental issues have been intentionally exaggerated by a number of NGOs, especially foreign NGOs, to hinder the development of Indonesia`s pulp and paper and palm oil industries. "That is right. So, now, we have to deal with exaggerated environmental issues put forth by foreign NGOs and prevent them from being blown out of proportion and affecting the pulp and paper and palm oil industries," said Minister Kambuaya on Wednesday. Kambuaya added that while foreign NGOs keep exaggerating a number of environmental issues, his ministry can only protect the environment through companies engaged in paper and crude palm oil production. He believes that as a country with a high population growth rate, where the population currently stands at 240 million, Indonesia needs to protect the environment. "We, especially the companies, need to protect the environment. So, we would have to convey to the foreign NGOs that we know what is best for the environment," he said. The minister added that his ministry is boosting its efforts to encourage companies to implement environmentally friendly operations. Minister Kambuaya attended the closing ceremony of the National Works Meeting of Agribusiness and Food Office with Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Office of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Pekanbaru, Riau. He also appreciated the chamber`s initiative to hold a two-day meeting on environmental issues in Pekanbaru, Riau, which will bring industry players and policy makers closer together. "We come up with policies and companies execute them. So, it is important to be in constant communication with the executors. The industry can flourish if the environment is protected - that is our expectation," he said.