Tanjung, S Kalimantan, (Antaranews Kalsel) - Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya inaugurated a water treatment plant (WTP) developed by PT Adaro Indonesia in Tanjung Tabalong, South Kalimantan, on Tuesday.
Built since 2008, the water treatment plant with a capacity of 20 liters per second constituted the manifestation of PT Adaro to apply water reduce, reuse and recycle in its operations.
"We hope that PT Adaro will continue to be consistent in processing its mining water into clean water which benefits the company`s internal use and the local people around the factory," said Balthasar.
All regional governments have the obligation to provide clear water for the people with support of the private sector as part of their public services. In Indonesia almost 50 percent of the people have not yet been covered by clean water services. However, he said, based on the national standard, about 60 percent have to have water access to clean water.
PT Adaro Indonesia President Director Chia A Hoo said the presence of his company provided positive contribution to the environment of its surroundings.
"As a mining firm, our company has the responsibility to preserve the environment and protect the locals so that it continues to practice the good mining principle, including carrying out sustainable clean water processing program," Chia said.
Besides officiating the plant, the environment minister also observed the Adaro environment management programs such as its reclamation and energy efficiency programs.
The reclamation program included a former mining reclamation site which supported with seedling centers with a capacity of 130,000 seeds.
Chia added that the WTP-T300 will provide clean water for residents in eight villages in Balangan and Tabalong districts.
"Nowi WTP - T300 is able to produce 70,000 liters of clean water per hours. It is distributed to eight villages with 1,110 families," Chia explained.
South Kalimantan Governor Rudy Arifin said coal mining is a mining of non-renewable natural resource. Therefore, its mining and management should meet the mining requirements and management standards.
"We hope that mining firms in South Kalimantan would obey the principle requirements of the environment management because otherwise it would leave homework for the local government. It needs to be managed so that the local residents would be take advantage of it," said Rudy.
Rudi also reminded all districts and municipalities to increase their clean water services for the local people so that the target of 60 percent could be met. He said that about 90 percent of residents in the city of Banjarmasin (provincial capital of South Kalimanatan) had been covered by clean water distribution.
Therefore, the government hoped that other districts and municipalities in South Kalimantan provinces would increase the coverage of its clean water distribution to the people.