No Reason To Avoid Environmental Preservation

Jakarta, Dec 4 (ANTARA) - There is no reason for companies in Indonesia to shun environmental preservation efforts because green technologies are available and accessible, said Vice President Boediono. "Technology, in the realm of garbage management, is not difficult to obtain but requires strong determination," said the vice president, on Monday. Boediono made this statement during the Companies Performance Rating Assessment Program 2012 (PROPER 2012), attended by the Environment Minister, Balthazar Kambuaya, the Agriculture Minister, Suswono, and the Tourism and Creative Economic Minister, Mari Elka Pangestu. The vice president said that he will support the efforts of the Environment Ministry to change the mindset of the public and to preserve the environment. He also said that companies can exploit the natural resources in Indonesia but they must do it with the best possible technology that supports environmental preservation. The vice president quoted Mahatma Gandhi, "The world`s resources are enough for everybody`s needs but not for one person`s greed." The vice president said that a change in the public�s mindset is necessary to preserve the environment. "We have the right to exploit natural resources and the environment, but we have to remember that they are the assets that have to be maintained for the future generations. We can reap the benefits of the existing assets but we should do it without destroying them, so that future generations can also enjoy the benefits," said the vice president. Meanwhile, the Environment Minister, Balthazar Kambuaya, said that a total of 22 provinces and 1,317 companies in Indonesia took part in the PROPER 2012. Balthazar noted that in 2011, only 1,012 companies took part in the program. However, this year, the number rose to 1,317. The minister hopes that the number will continue to rise and by 2014, a total of 2,000 companies will take in the program. This is in accordance with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono`s directive.