Wasting Away

Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper has been dumping poisonous waste around its factory, with disastrous results to the surrounding community.

June 19, 2001

RAIN ought to be a blessing, but to the people of Pinangsebatang village in Siak regency, Riau province, even light drizzles mean calamity. When there is a downpour, most residents of the village suffer eyesores, skin diseases or diarrhea. Fish are seen floating on the Siak River. "Not to mention the terrible smell," moans local resident Haji Yunus.

That's been the picture for the last 10 years. On 63 occasions, thousands of fish have

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