When Social Forestry Areas Become Hazardous Waste Disposal Locations

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - The team from the Directorate of Law Enforcement of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) is handling the disposal of hazardous and toxic waste (B3) in the social forestry area of Karawang Regency, West Java.

"We immediately took action after receiving the report. Now it is still in the process of deepening", said the Head of the Law Enforcement Center (Gakkum) for the Jabalnusra Region of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), Taqiudin, Thursday, May 19, as reported by Antara.

The team has carried out field checks and examined witnesses related to the disposal of B3 waste in the social forestry area of the Karawang area.

According to him, during the handling process, the location around the B3 waste disposal was under the supervision of the local police.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of Commission IV of the House of Representatives, Dedi Mulyadi, admitted that he was surprised to see the social forestry area in Karawang being a location for B3 waste disposal.

"I'm really surprised, how can an area designated for social forestry be a place for B3 waste disposal. I can't believe it", said Dedi.

The social forestry area that is used as a waste disposal site is located in Cibenda Village, Parangmulya Village, Ciampel District, Karawang.

As a result of illegal waste disposal, some livestock in the area died and the health of residents was threatened. Even though the area should be green.

The social forestry area in Karawang is known to be a place for B3 waste disposal after Dedi Mulyadi received a report from the community.

At the location, Dedi looked closely at how B3 waste, which should have been handled seriously, was disposed of at will.

He also saw firsthand the presence of medical waste at the location.

"This is a serious problem because the hospital is not allowed to give waste to just anyone", he said.

The location containing the B3 waste pile was apparently managed by someone because it was a forest area.

The permit for the use of social forestry in the area is held by the Telukjambe Bersatu Independent Farmers Group Association.

Dedi Mulyadi asked the Director-General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to step in to handle the problem from a legal perspective.

"Including the Director-General of Waste, Waste and B3 Management, to help overcome this problem. Don't let B3 waste continue to be there, without proper handling. It's a danger for residents.