Bandung, W Java (ANTARA News) – Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stressed that he will take stern measures against those who had polluted the Citarum River.
"All parties should take part in preserving Citarum River.
We will take stern measures against those who pollute the river," Pandjaitan noted on the sidelines of a meeting on the revitalization of Citarum here on Tuesday.
The government will not hesitate to take legal action against business operators that had polluted the river, which is vital for the region.
"Significant support of the local leaders is vital, as pollution in Citarum is our issue.
We have to remain firm on this; no more `powerful figure or disobedient firm,`" he noted.
Citarum River has played a vital role, as it provides 80 percent of the water for West Java Province and the capital city Jakarta, both for agriculture and consumption purposes.
However, he added that Citarum has been placed on the list of the world`s most polluted rivers.
Water pollution will affect the people living in the region, as the waste will contaminate vegetables and livestock as well as fish in the river, Pandjaitan stated.
"President Joko Widodo has called for revitalizing the river from its upstream area to begin in mid-January.