As a result of the May 2016 verdict, wastewater discharges from PT Kahatex, PT Insan Sandang Internusa and PT Five Star Textile can now be considered illegal, Greenpeace International said on its blog.

The lawsuit was filed by Greenpeace Indonesia, together with community groups Pawapeling, Walhi (Friends of the Earth Indonesia), and Legal Aid Bandung.

The textile belt in Rancaekek district is one of the many industrial areas along the Citarum river – considered one of the most polluted waterways in the world. This area is home to several textile companies including some of the biggest companies in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. These companies export most of their products abroad, including to several big fashion brands.

“Evidence revealed that permits were given without consideration of the supporting and carrying capacity of the river and no study was conducted to establish if the discharges would impact aquaculture, animals and plants, quality of soil and groundwater. There was no monitoring and evaluation before issuing permits. To prevent further destruction, and taking into account the precautionary principle, the judge decided to grant the entire lawsuit,” Greenpeace said.

“This unprecedented decision gives us hope that a clean and toxic-free river and future in Indonesia is possible,” the blog added. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India