TEMPO.CO, Semarang – Experts are saying that 136 rivers flowing in almost all cities in Central Java are polluted. "Including the Bengawan Solo and the flood canal in Semarang. The conditions of all rivers in industrial estates are severe," Sudarto, an environmental expert from the University of Diponegoro said in Semarang, yesterday.
Sudarto said that river pollution comes from industrial and domestic waste from settlements.
This happens despite the fact that many industries in Central Java have wastewater treatment plants. "But they do not conduct environmental audit," he lamented.
Meanwhile, residents have little or no concern over the domestic waste they produce. As a result, Central Java is showing an increasing effect of river pollution, Sudarto said.
According to Sudarto, the state should penalize industries that pollute the rivers as a criminal offense. The government must also provide clear instruction and training for them on how not to pollute the rivers.
Wahyudi Mukti, committee member of the 2015 Indonesia River Congress, said they are concerned about the state of Indonesia's rivers. Therefore, the congress is being held in Banjarnegara, Central Java, from August 26 to 30 to "provide a platform for relevant parties to consolidate ideas and devise strategies to save our rivers," he said.
EDI FAISOL
