
Indonesia shuts down three firms for dumping waste into rivers, warns of legal action
- Illustrative photo. Image source: Pojok Aceh
JAKARTA: The Indonesian government has shut down three companies suspected of dumping industrial waste into rivers, a minister said on Friday (May 23).
All the firms were sealed and face potential legal action, according to Indonesian Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.
The companies, operating in Tangerang Regency of Banten province, are involved in the textile industry, iron smelting, and aluminum waste management, he said.
"Specifically, we have identified the pollution sources because they discharge waste through a drain that flows downstream into the Cirarab River," said the minister.
"This has a severe impact, directly affecting residents and degrading environmental quality," Hanif emphasized.
"In this case, we have ordered them to halt all operations until further notice. For related parties, we will provide guidance to continue their economic activities while ensuring environmental protection," he added.
Hanif warned that the case could be brought to court, with penalties ranging from three to five years in prison or substantial fines.
The minister noted that his office has so far identified 23 pollution sources in the Cirarab River in Tangerang Regency. - Xinhua

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Malaysia Sun
2 hours ago
- Malaysia Sun
Brunei receives 678,037 tourist arrivals in 2024
Xinhua 06 Jun 2025, 21:47 GMT+10 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Brunei recorded 678,037 tourist arrivals in 2024, a local daily reported on Friday. According to Borneo Bulletin, Brunei's Tourism Development Department said out of the 678,037 people, 268,282 visitors arrived by air compared to 133,630 people in 2023. It opens up more opportunities for stakeholders in the tourism industry of the country, officials said.


Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Borneo Post
SW China mountainous county brews global matcha success
Photo of a tea farm in Jiangkou County, southwest China's Guizhou Province. – Xinhua photo GUIYANG (June 7): In Jiangkou County, nestled in southwest China's mountainous Guizhou Province, a centuries-old tea tradition is fueling a modern global boom. In 2024, the county's matcha sales exceeded 1,200 tonnes with an output value surpassing 300 million yuan (about US$41.7 million), while its products have been exported to overseas markets including Japan, the United States and France. As a major matcha-producing country, China is poised to produce over 5,000 tonnes of matcha in 2025. Notably, Guizhou, leveraging its high-altitude tea farms, low latitude and misty climate, accounts for one quarter of China's national output and exports to more than 40 countries and regions. Jiangkou County, located at the foot of Guizhou's Unesco-listed Fanjing Mountain, was once a poverty-stricken region but is now a pioneer in the field of matcha production. This turnaround began in 2017, when cutting-edge matcha industrial technology was introduced to this area. Led by industry leaders in partnership with allied enterprises and local farmers, this initiative has established a province-wide matcha industrial network in Guizhou – spanning 22 counties and empowering nearly 100,000 tea growers via increased incomes. The county's tea fields currently cover 160,000 mu (about 10,667 hectares), with 20 per cent dedicated to matcha production. 'We control every step from farming to processing – to ensure premium quality,' said Meng Zude, chairman of Gui Tea Group, a leading tea company that manages the industrial cluster in Jiangkou. Meng explained that farmers focus on cultivation while allied partners process leaves. Gui Tea Group then refines leaves into premium matcha. From field to factory, free technical support ensures EU-standard compliance across the supply chain, Meng added. Jiangkou County has adapted Japanese matcha techniques to local conditions through both collaborations with experts and in-house research and development. Farmers now implement fertilisation protocols, eco-friendly pest control and precision pruning – critical steps that ensure high-quality tencha leaves. Four tonnes of matcha have already been exported to Japan in 2025, while another six tonnes are scheduled for shipment to this traditional matcha hub this year, according to Chen Xiaoming, deputy director of Gui Tea's foreign trade business. 'Domestic clients now approach us directly, while Japanese buyers seek raw material supplies,' Chen said, adding that inquiries have grown significantly. 'Matcha isn't just a drink,' said Chen. 'It's a lifestyle China now leads.' – Xinhua


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Estonian, Vietnam agree on digital cooperation projects
Tallinn, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal met with his Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh, in Tallinn on Friday to discuss bilateral cooperation and global security issues, according to an official government press release. The two leaders talked about opportunities for collaboration in the digital and economic sectors, with a particular emphasis on e-government and cybersecurity development. As part of the visit, the foreign ministers of both countries signed two memoranda of understanding focused on digital cooperation. Under the agreements, Estonia will support Vietnam in advancing its e-government and cybersecurity projects. The Vietnamese leader arrived in Estonia on Wednesday. His visit marks the first official trip to Estonia by a Vietnamese head of government.