Government Asked To Seriously Handle Allegations Of Waste Pollution On Bunyu Island

TANJUNG SELOR - Allegations of environmental pollution have occurred again in Bunyu District, Bulungan, North Kalimantan (Kaltara).

As happened in the area of a coal mining company owned by PT Lamindo which operates in the bunyu area.

"This pollution has occurred since the last two years. As a result, there are approximately 30-40 hectares (ha) of affected residents' land. Like planting, many have died. Forests are bare," said Swadaya Fisheries Extensioner Hariyono, Wednesday, September 27.

Ironically, the coal waste also pollutes Bunyu waters, making it difficult for fishermen to find fish.

"So the impact is already extraordinary," he said.

The coal waste, continued Hariyono, was not managed properly by the company, including the absence of supervision from the government regarding this activity.

"We have asked several times for supervision from the Tarakan Marine and Fisheries Resources Supervision Team (PSDKP). The point is there is no supervision," he said.

He explained that PT Lamindo's waste came from the setting pond 12. Although it had a broad impact, the company was reluctant to take responsibility and stated that the current pollution did not come from the company.

In fact, there is only one company operating in that area, namely PT Lamindo.

"We have reported this matter to the government and the Bulungan DPRD has reportedly formed a special committee team (special committee) but there has been no firmness," he said.

The aggrieved residents think that the government is not serious or is still turning a blind eye to the current problems.

"The impact of the waste has been extraordinary. But the fact is that the government is not serious. It has been two years of condition like this," he concluded.