Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Megawati Soekarnoputri's administration had the worst record of every previous administration in this country with regard to environmental concerns, a non-governmental organization said.

The Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL) said the enforcement of environmental laws had worsened in comparison with previous administrations.

"The gloomy picture on the enforcement of environmental laws in Indonesia is merely a proof of this government's weak commitment to imposing the principles of Good Sustainable Development Governance," ICEL executive director Wiwiek Awiati said on Friday.

During a celebration of ICEL's 9th anniversary, which falls on July 19, its researchers revealed that the absence of a pro-environment policy had allowed alleged perpetrators to walk free and had stepped up repressive measures against anyone who struggles on behalf of the environment.

The government's lack of attention to environmental issues has seemingly emboldened law enforcers to block public demands for legal proceedings against those who contravene existing environmental laws. This, has led to recent clashes and protests in many provinces where villagers feel they are being repressed while their traditional lands continue to be destroyed.

ICEL deputy Indro Sugiarto said that the prolonged economic crisis had been the main excuse for the government to overlook environmental issues and, instead, to stick to its (short-term) economic growth paradigm which welcomed investors but encouraged uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources.

He cited an example such as the suggestion from Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti to allow protected forests to be exploited for mining, as well as the policy on permits for genetically modified seeds or products to enter the country, which neglected international principles of prudence.

This apparent neglect seems to contradict some ministers' official words at the recently concluded 4th Preparatory Committee Meeting on Sustainable Development, which was hosted by Indonesia.

Commenting on the proposal of State Minister for Environment Nabiel Makarim on the establishment of a "Formula 12" special team comprised of judges and prosecutors to handle environmental cases, Indro stressed that the issue was much more complex than simply assembling a few environmentally conscious judges and prosecutors.

ICEL co-founder Mas Achmad Santosa, who is now its senior researcher, suggested several solutions to encourage legal enforcement, including to develop a "one-stop enforcement system" where the selected civilian investigators, police and prosecutors were put under Nabiel's office and the ministry's regional offices.

"The government should also 'green' the bench by appointing qualified judges or letting non-career judges handle environmental cases. Another alternative would be to establish a special environmental court," he said.

In the short-term, Santosa urged the government to cooperate with the National Ombudsman Commission to investigate bribery allegations in the courts, especially in environmental cases with dubious outcomes.