Walhi to Guard Maritime Axis Development

Jakarta (Antara) - The Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) will continue to guard the maritime axis development program envisioned by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to ensure even distribution of welfare among the residents of small islands. "We will continue to guard the maritime axis development, so that it will not solely benefit certain parties," Walhi Executive Director Abetnego Tarigan stated here on Wednesday. He explained that the development of a maritime axis or maritime toll road should be supervised, so that it is environmentally friendly and does not victimize the local community. "We will continue to support the environmentally friendly maritime axis development, as it will have a positive impact on the welfare of the people living on small islands," he remarked. But, he noted that the government, while developing seaports to support the maritime toll road program, should pay greater attention to the environment in coastal areas and safeguard the rights of its dwellers. (*)