Receiving Community Reports, Kotim Regency Government Checks Sampit River Water Quality Allegedly Polluted

SAMPIT - The government of East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan has moved quickly to follow up on community complaints regarding the alleged contamination of the Sampit River by taking water samples to check its quality. below, above and in the middle of the Sampit River," said Deputy Regent of Kotawaringin Timur Irawati in Sampit, Tuesday, June 7. The Sampit River is a source of water for people in several villages, namely Natai Baru, Rongkang and Ramban or Bagendang Tengah villages. Residents suspected that the river was polluted with sewage because many dead fish were found in the river. Irawati immediately went down to follow up on the alleged water pollution of the Sampit River on the orders of Halikinnor Regent. He was accompanied by the Secretary of the Environmental Service, Joni Parwoto and the Camat of Mentaya Hilir Utara, Muslih. The team from the Environmental Service took water samples at several points. The water sample will be sent to Jakarta for inspection, because East Kotawaringin does not yet have a laboratory to check the water quality. It is estimated that it will take one month to find out the results of the water sample examination. While waiting for the results, other efforts were also made, namely by visiting plantation companies that have palm oil mills in the area. Irawati said there were four palm oil factories in the area. One by one, they came to the companies to ask for an explanation from the company management regarding the procedures and waste management systems in their respective companies. The goal is that there is clarity regarding the alleged contamination of the Sampit River water, so that it can be used as a basis for taking steps to handle it.

"We are not accusing the company of making a mistake or that there was a waste leak. We are still waiting for the results of the sample inspection. This is so that there is no misunderstanding between the community and the company," he said, quoted by Antara. . However, he warned, if found guilty, the company must still be held responsible. "If proven, we will give sanctions according to the error. ," said Irawati. Meanwhile, the company officials visited expressed their support for the investigation related to the alleged pollution. If it is proven that there is waste pollution from their company, the company will be responsible and correct the negligence so that it doesn't happen again.