Ayomi Amindon The Jakarta Post 1 Oct 16;
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has instructed the National Police to take firm action against perpetrators of environmental damage who he said were responsible for a flash flood in Garut, West Java, last week.
During his visit to Dr. Slamet General Hospital in Garut on Thursday, Jokowi emphasized the importance of law enforcement to prevent environmental damage.
"I have ordered the police to take action against all environmental destruction that results in floods, such as in Garut. [Action is needed] not only here, but throughout the country," Jokowi asserted.
Regarding damage upstream of the Cimanuk River, Environment and Forestry Ministry will conduct conservation efforts and spatial management, he added.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) recently said sand and clay quarrying upstream of the Cimanuk River had caused environment damage and led to the deadly flash flood in Garut.
Currently, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) is still searching about 19 missing victims. The government will also build two temporary camps for victims who lost their houses during the disaster. (dmr)
