TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Environment NGOs in Central Java reject the local government’s plan to build a safari park Jateng Park at the Wana Wisata Penggaron, Semarang. The Program Manager of Indonesia Friends of the Earth (Walhi) Central Java, Arif Zayyin urges the government to not easily converting Pennggaron Forest into a tourist destination.
“If Penggaron is converted into a park, Semarang will become increasingly hot,” said Arif Zayyin.
The Central Java Province administration is currently finalizing the draft of the memorandum of understanding which is planned to be signed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya on January 30.
The Chairman of Central Java DPRD Rukma Setyabudi has expressed support for the project whereas the Director of Protected Forest and Conservation Area Environment Service Utilization Unit of the Forestry Ministry, Bambang Supriyanto said that the forest can not be converted unless the law is revised.
Central Java Regional Secretary (Sekda) Sri Puryono, however, promised to look into the environmental aspects of the project.
The construction of the park is planned to commence in June 2015. The park is said to include fauna park, culinary destinations, golf court, hotel, water park, jogging track, playground, outbond, camping ground,animal breeding center, downhill track, and offroad circuit.
ROFIUDDIN