"We called on businessmen to stop dumping waste into the river. There is a progress in fact, but we are not yet satisfied. We have built a wastewater treatment plant (IPAL), and the acting governor has also considered the possibility of relocating some industries," Pandjaitan noted here on Wednesday.
Industrial waste in Citarum River has seriously affected the people`s health, especially those living along the river basin.
"Their babies may face the problem of stunting. A research from IPB (Bogor Agricultural University) showed that all fish in Citarum River are not fit for consumption due to the pollution, and it has caused stunting," he noted.
The minister called on all parties to separate the Citarum river basin issue from politics.
"Some have sought protection, and I said, there would be no protection. Do not mix the Citarum issue with politics," he added.
He reiterated that the government will take stern measures against industries that dump their waste into Citarum. It would need coordination among related institutions, businessmen, and the public to address the problem.
Reporting by Ajat Sudrajat
Editing by Sri Haryati, Bustanduddin
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
