The Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) of West Java is currently deliberating a Regional Regulation (Raperda) on Environmental Protection and Management. The proposed regulation is expected to serve as a new legal framework for preserving the environment while ensuring that investment continues to grow without compromising ecosystems or the interests of local communities.

Toto Suharto, a member of the West Java Provincial DPRD from the National Mandate Party (PAN), stated that the deliberation of the draft regulation represents a strategic step toward strengthening oversight of activities that have the potential to cause environmental degradation. According to him, West Java requires more adaptive regulations to ensure that economic development progresses in harmony with environmental conservation.

He explained that the scope of the proposed regulation is comprehensive, covering spatial planning supervision, environmental management, and the regulation of Category C mining activities, which have frequently become a public concern."Through this new regulation, we want to ensure that the environment remains well protected. This includes Category C mining, which falls under the joint authority of the Environmental Agency and the Energy and Mineral Resources Agency. Any mining activities that damage river systems or cause environmental degradation must not be tolerated and should be subject to legal action," he said on Thursday (2 July).

According to Toto, the future regional regulation will not only serve as a government oversight instrument but also protect the public's right to a healthy environment. He therefore encouraged residents to actively report any suspected pollution or environmentally harmful activities in their respective areas.

"The primary function of a regional regulation is to protect and improve the welfare of the community—not to sacrifice the public interest," he emphasized.

On another note, Toto also highlighted the West Java DPRD's policy direction regarding a more balanced distribution of investment across the province. He believes that Kuningan Regency, long recognized as a tourism buffer zone and an agricultural center, should begin attracting environmentally responsible industrial investment as a strategy to create more employment opportunities.

He noted that the high unemployment rate remains a significant challenge that directly contributes to poverty. Therefore, investment should be encouraged as part of the solution, provided that it remains within a framework of strong environmental protection."We need to open opportunities for industrial development, but the industries must be environmentally friendly. Investment should never come at the expense of Kuningan's natural environment, which is one of the region's greatest assets," he said.

As an example, Toto cited the presence of a South Korean footwear manufacturing plant in Kuningan Regency as a model of investment capable of generating economic benefits, provided that it fully complies with all Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) requirements and does not cause environmental pollution.

He stressed that sustainable investment is the key to achieving balanced economic growth while preserving the natural resources that underpin Kuningan's long-term development.

[SOURCE]