Batam, Riau Islands – The manggrove forest along Nongsa Beach in Batam is reportedly being threatened by fuel waste dumped from foreign-flagged tankers in the Strait of Malacca.

Chairman of the Nongsa tourist resort, Djoko Pramono, said the crude oil waste was hurting tourism in the coastal area, as well as threatening the mangrove forest. He said large portions of the forest had already begun to die off as a result of the fuel waste.

Djoko urged Jakarta to step up its cooperation with Malaysia and Singapore not only to provide security in the strategic strait, but also to protect its environment

Riau Islands Governor Ismeth Abdullah said the government would set up nets and other equipment to prevent the fuel waste from reaching the mangrove forest.