80 Percent Jakarta Gulf Contaminated

Jakarta, Sept 26 (Antara) - The environmental non-governmental organization Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Walhi) revealed that 80 percent of Jakarta Gulf is heavily contaminated with industrial and household wastes. "The contamination level in Jakarta Gulf is so concerning that real action is needed to save the environment. We also need the government to impose a punishment on industries that dispose their wastes into the area," Walhi`s Coast and Sea campaigner, Ode Rakhman, stated here on Friday. He explained that heavy contamination was particularly found in the coastal areas near estuaries, which was the result of wastes being dumped by industries and offshore oil and gas exploitation sites. "The contamination continues unabated until now as the government`s policy is not strong enough to support the environment`s safety. Besides this, the government has shown less concern to the environmental conditions of rivers, estuaries, and sea," Ode pointed out. He stated that the contamination caused by chemical particles from industrial, farming, and household activities have polluted the river and harmed the sea environment and ecosystem. Moreover, it has affected the welfare of the people living in the coastal areas as there has been a decrease in fish population. "The contaminated water causes various diseases that endanger the river and sea biota, including humans," Ode affirmed. Although the contamination is very severe, no decisive action has been taken by the government to sentence those responsible for causing this damage. "The government and law enforcement officers have never punished those who cause pollution, and even worse, these environmental criminals were awarded instead," Ode remarked. He hoped that the government will take immediate action to save the environment and enforce the law on every criminal who has caused harm to the environment.