Investigation of Kampar River Pollution: Pekanbaru, Riau

As I mentioned in an article yesterday I admire organisations that are passionate about the environment and keep the Indonesian government on their toes. WAHLI does just that.

The Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) in Riau Province, has asked the provincial police to investigate pollution in Kampar River in Pelalawan District according to a report in the Antara News.

The Riau Police must investigate the pollution case, Director of Walhi`s Riau chapter Jhonny S. Mundung.

The Indonesian environmental NGO has suspected that PT RAPP (Riau Pulp and Paper) company has polluted the river.

Some 18 residents of Sering village, Pelelawan District, were rushed to a police hospital in Pekanbaru on Monday (March 19) for being poisoned due to the river pollution.

The poisoned villagers included children between 21 months and 13 years old and some adults, he said. The villagers suffered from skin and eye irritations, respiratory problems, coughing and stomachache, he added.

Based on Walhi`s finding, Kampar River was polluted by chlorine disposed by the pulp and paper company located in Riau Province, Sumatra Island, according to Mandung.

“If the pollution continues to be ignored, it might claim lives. Therefore, the provincial police must investigate the case,” Mundung said.

Walhi was preparing a report to the local police for further investigation on the alleged pollution case, he added.