xariatay 1 Posted October 28, 2011 Received this petition. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/safe-bangka-stop-mining/ Is it true? Have googled about Bangka Mining & indeed there is an island also call Bangka in Sumatra that is being mined... Dear Friends, We would like to inform you about a disastrous development that we are currently facing. A Chinese company wants to start an iron mine on Bangka, with the intention of mining both on the land, and just off the coast of (the Western side of) Bangka Island. If this mining starts, then half of Bangka will turn into an open pit mining site, and the underwater mining activities will stir up so much sediment, sand, and dirt that the reefs surrounding Bangka and neighbouring Islands will all die. Even the reefs within the Bunaken National Park are not safe… According to the Indonesian law it is illegal to mine anything on small Islands, so this should not be happening. However corruption is still a part of life here and the mining corporation ‘bought’ some of the government people to get some of “the licenses†they need. They do not have all the licenses yet to start their operation, which means we still have time to fight for our rights, our life, and most importantly for the conservation of the environment! The resorts in the area are working together with the villagers and a local environmental organisation to try and stop this illegal activity. We have already sent a letter to the local House of Representatives to get a hearing, but so far nothing seems to happen. As the mining company is moving fast (they want to start operating before the end of this year) we need to act quickly to have a chance to stop them. Therefore it is now time to set up this petition, so we can show the Indonesian government that they are creating a future catastrophe by allowing the mining on a small Island. This should hopefully create more awareness within the government and should be enough to stop the mining company from getting the licence to mine. We hope you are willing to help us preserve this beautiful piece of the world. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimG 27 Posted October 28, 2011 I'm a bit confused - is it Bangka just off Sulawesi or is it the Bangka you mention off Sumatra? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
perezoso 0 Posted October 29, 2011 I'm a bit confused - is it Bangka just off Sulawesi or is it the Bangka you mention off Sumatra? This is Bangka in North Sulawesi and even if any mine is against the natural environment, this will create a critical damage as the island is so small, not to mention that Bangka area is one of the most interesting diving area in Indonesia. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drew 0 Posted October 29, 2011 Have you all spoken to the Kabupaten and other local officials? If the resorts are contributing employment for a good number of years, and they pay taxes and put the money back into the local economy, there must be some sort of long term income for the local government that makes it worthwhile vs 10 years of strip mining and the overall possible destruction of the area. Gather all the resorts including the big ones and show them how much scuba/snorkeling contributes to the economy. Jakarta is more prone (at least on paper) to protect reefs nowadays, thanks to SBY's actually following through the promises he made. If you need to publicize this, try contacting the press in Jakarta like Tempo and Jakarta Post. I do know that Jakarta is pushing to increase iron output. Development has its cost. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scubaskeeter 3 Posted October 31, 2011 Received this petition. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/safe-bangka-stop-mining/ Is it true? Have googled about Bangka Mining & indeed there is an island also call Bangka in Sumatra that is being mined... Dear Friends, We would like to inform you about a disastrous development that we are currently facing. A Chinese company wants to start an iron mine on Bangka, with the intention of mining both on the land, and just off the coast of (the Western side of) Bangka Island. If this mining starts, then half of Bangka will turn into an open pit mining site, and the underwater mining activities will stir up so much sediment, sand, and dirt that the reefs surrounding Bangka and neighbouring Islands will all die. Even the reefs within the Bunaken National Park are not safe… According to the Indonesian law it is illegal to mine anything on small Islands, so this should not be happening. However corruption is still a part of life here and the mining corporation ‘bought’ some of the government people to get some of “the licenses†they need. They do not have all the licenses yet to start their operation, which means we still have time to fight for our rights, our life, and most importantly for the conservation of the environment! The resorts in the area are working together with the villagers and a local environmental organisation to try and stop this illegal activity. We have already sent a letter to the local House of Representatives to get a hearing, but so far nothing seems to happen. As the mining company is moving fast (they want to start operating before the end of this year) we need to act quickly to have a chance to stop them. Therefore it is now time to set up this petition, so we can show the Indonesian government that they are creating a future catastrophe by allowing the mining on a small Island. This should hopefully create more awareness within the government and should be enough to stop the mining company from getting the licence to mine. We hope you are willing to help us preserve this beautiful piece of the world. Signed the petition - I trust Care2 and hope you can stop this, or at least get it mitigated to save the reefs. I'm going to contact other enviro groups. Thanks for posting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xariatay 1 Posted October 31, 2011 Signed the petition - I trust Care2 and hope you can stop this, or at least get it mitigated to save the reefs. I'm going to contact other enviro groups. Thanks for posting. Thanks! Have asked a friend in Manado & unfortunately, it is TRUE! Please help save Bangka - North Sulawesi! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
