M Rosseno Aji, Jakarta – The Indonesian Anticorruption Society (MAKI) reported an alleged smuggling attempt of toxic waste in the region of Riau. In its official report which the organization plan to send to the Environment and Forestry Ministry (KLHK), they suspected that there is a company attempting to dump 5,500 tons of toxic waste on the Riau Islands.

"We will pay a visit to the KLHK to report this incident this noon," said MAKI coordinator Boyamin Saiman on Friday, August 26, 2022.

According to Boyamin, the alleged waste dumping has been happening from March until August of 2022 and is believed to be transported by a vessel flying the Indonesian flag. The vessel itself, said Boyamin, is registered to a company named PT PEL with its headquarters based in Batam City, Riau Islands.

Boyamin also believed that the vessel has a crucial role as a floating storage and is collecting various wastes from smaller vessels that come from neighboring countries. "Which is why the ship does not move away from that area of sea," Boyamin explained.

Moreover, Boyamin suspects that the ship was carrying 5,500 tons of toxic waste disguised as petroleum but is allegedly loaded with B3 waste. "It is far above the quality standard determined by the applicable regulations," Boyamin said.

MAKI plans to report the alleged case to the Directorate General of Law Enforcement at the Environment and Forestry Ministry and hoped that an investigation will be carried out.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1627138/maki-suspects-toxic-waste-gets-smuggled-to-riau-island