Companies must be Environmentally Aware: Indonesia

Companies whose products having to do with environmental conservation should take concrete measures in developing industries which are environmentally friendly and caring for communities living near their plants, a member of cabinet said.

“The efforts of this company (pulp and paper producer PT Riau Pulp) in preserving the environment and in caring for the community should go on, because this is part of the current global commitment,” State Minister of Environment Rachmat Witoelar said in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau.

According to him, the government has underscored its policy on the management of the environment for sustainable development, meaning that natural potentials must be used to serve the interest of many people, but not to destroy the environment.

Environmental conservation involving local communities was a strategic measure to safeguard natural conservation in plants and hoped to prevent disasters, he added.

“The environment is not only mentioned in proposals, but also implemented in the building of factories,” the minister said.

Therefore, he said, plants which had conserved the environment since their establishment must be given an award.

Companies like PT Riau Pulp which is export-oriented, need recognition and appreciation of the environment.

In addition, he said, a business enterprise must have a commitment to maintain social responsibility.

“In sustainable economic development, companies are not only required to increase their profits, but to contribute to environment and their surrounding communities as well,” he said.

Source: Antara News