Indonesian authorities have issued a directive to cease the development of a tourism project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump due to water management and environmental issues. The 3,000-hectare project, spearheaded by Trump's Indonesian business partner, billionaire Hary Tanoesoedibjo, was slated to include luxury resorts in Bali and Jakarta.
The Trump Organization was set to manage hotels, golf courses, and country clubs within the project, which was estimated to cost over $700 million to construct. The larger development plans, including a 'Trump Community' and a new toll road, have been in progress since 2014.
However, concerns have been raised by the Environment Ministry regarding the mismanagement of rainwater at the resort, leading to sedimentation in Lido Lake and a significant reduction in its size. This has prompted the government to intervene and halt the project for further assessment.
Gunung Gede Pangrango, the project's location, is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Javan leopard and Javan silvery gibbon. Conservationists fear that the development could threaten these habitats and have welcomed the government's actions to address the environmental impact.
PT MNC Land, the company behind the project, denied sole responsibility for the lake's sedimentation, attributing it to various surrounding developments. They emphasized compliance with environmental impact assessments and pledged to address the issue through dredging and other mitigation measures.
Environmental advocates stress the importance of prioritizing environmental considerations in business ventures, especially in critical areas like Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park. They urge a balance between development and conservation to safeguard ecosystems and communities in the long term.
