A Number Of Examples Of Environmental Law Cases And Their Analysis That Have Occurred In Karawang, West Java

JAKARTA - In 2019 there were many cases of environmental pollution that occurred in Karawang, West Java. These crimes occurred in almost all elements, such as forests, rivers, land, settlements, and even the air. One example of an environmental law case and its analysis is a case of toxic mud in residential land.

In addition, there are still several other cases that occurred in Karawang in 2019. There are cases involving State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN). The following cases can be used as learning materials for all parties for this year and beyond.

In October 2019, it was discovered that tens of tons of toxic mud were buried in the residential land of Darawolong Village, Purwasari District.

The Karawang Police Criminal Investigation Unit succeeded in uncovering cases of environmental pollution involving several companies. The toxic sludge comes from three textile companies in Bandung.

"The waste is taken from PT FJ, PT BCP, PT TB. Instead of being destroyed, the waste is buried in residential areas in Karawang," explained Head of Criminal Investigation Unit at the Karawang Police, Bimantoro Kurniawan, Friday, December 20, 2019.

According to Bimantoro, the toxic waste should have been brought to PT WI in Tangerang to be destroyed. Allegedly, in order to make a profit, PT RPW and PT LSA as the 3rd party delivering the waste carried out the smuggling of the waste.

"It is suspected that their motive is to make a profit," he said.

Bimantoto explained that PT RWP and PT LSA were transporter companies that made agreements with three waste-producing textile factories. NH (initial), the director of PT RPW and PT LSA, then conspired with the field coordinator, SI (initial), not to process the money.

"We have named NH and SI as suspects in this case. SI plays a role in leading the drivers to dump waste into Karawang," explained the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Karawang Police.

Tens of tons of toxic sludge were brought in 5 dump trucks from Bandung to Karawang. The trucks arrived at night so as not to attract attention. On October 29, 2019, the citizens discovered the crime.

The residents then reported it to the authorities. After conducting reconnaissance, the police managed to arrest 5 drivers. The investigation continues and leads to NH and SI.

"We are trapped in Article 104 of Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management," explained Bimantoro.

The people of Karawang who live on the coast were shocked by the oil spill on June 21, 2019. The round shape of the oil spill is black and smells like kerosene.

After scattering on the beach, the oil spill melts. Within days, several marine ecosystems get bad effects.

Apart from the polluted mangrove trees, the fish are also staying away. The fishermen inevitably have to go further afield. Some fishermen even reported that their nets were exposed to oil.

The mastermind behind the case turned out to be a BUMN, namely Pertamina Hulu Energi ONWJ. They confirmed that the crude oil came from their well.

Pollution occurred because the YYA-1 well had a leak. Pertamina did not remain silent, Pertamina tried to deal with environmental problems that had occurred for nearly 5 months.

"We will not run away from our responsibilities. We will restore the environment and compensate the community," explained Ifki Sukarya, PR of PHE ONWJ at that time.

In April 2019, the Cibeet River in Taman Mekar Village, Pangkalan District, was filled with foamy waste. The community then reported the case to the Environment and Forestry Service (DLHK). After investigating, the waste came from PT Pindo Deli Pulp and Paper Mills 3.

DLHK then asked for help from the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) to seal the factory.

"We submit the request for action to Satpol PP through letter No.180 / 981 / PPL dated May 7, 2019," said Rosmalia Dewi, Secretary of DLHK Karawang, Thursday, May 9, 2019.

Five months later, pollution occurred again in the same location. Following up on the kasuis, the Tipiter Unit of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Karawang Police moved to the location. The checks involved the Citarum Harum Sector 18 Task Force and the Karawang Environmental Service.

"After being checked, it turned out that there were activities (contamination)," explained the Head of the Karawang Police, who was then held by Nuredy Irwansyah Putra.

He explained that pollution was caused by the failure of processing liquid waste. Liquid waste in the Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL) has been diluted. Because the IPAL could not be accommodated, the liquid waste overflowed and failed to be accommodated by the container.

"Because the outlet (reservoir) is being repaired, the waste is temporarily stored in the pond. Because the pond cannot accommodate all the waste, eventually the liquid waste will run over and flow into the Cibeet river," explained Nuredy at the time.

Liquid waste must be treated in such a way as to reduce the residue of hazardous substances. The waste must be managed through IPAL before being disposed of. After that, the liquid waste is generally collected in a special tub.

Nuredy said, Pindo Deli 3 was suspected by RI Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management.

Those are three examples of environmental law cases and their analysis. In addition, follow other domestic and foreign news only on VOI, Time to Revolutionize the News!