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Tikus Island in dire straits over coal loading activities |
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Indonesia
Excessive coal loading and unloading on on Tikus Island, one of the islands off Bengkulu province, has resulted in environmental devastation that threatens the existence of the island. Acting Bengkulu governor Junaidi Hamzah has expressed serious concern, given the important role Tikus Island plays in Indonesia's zoning system and in breaking tsunami waves. The island's coral reefs have been destroyed, which will take 30 years to rehabilitate, say environmental groups.
"Tikus Island needs full attention from all parties. Otherwise, this island will disappear," said Junaidi. Budi Djatmiko, Bengkulu transportation division officer, said that monitoring on coal loading activities would be conducted more closely, but stopped short of placing full blame on coal industries. He did say that nearly 50 percent of all economic activities on Tikus Island were linked to coal industries, and hoped that they would work toward constructing a port especially for coal loading activities.
By Phesi Ester Julikawati (Bengkulu)
Tempo
No. 43/12, June 20, 2012
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