Budi Brahmantyo, Karst Citatah

Geologist from ITB, Dr. Ir. Budi Brahmantyo, M.Sc. (48) can not remain silent when he saw the state of karst Citatah in West Bandung regency threatened with extinction due to limestone mining. He along with other experts working to save him. “It took ten years to file a karst Citatah filed as a legacy of the earth to the world body UNESCO,” said the man born Indihiang, Tasikmalaya.

According Brahmantyo, all government agencies aware of the state of damage in the area. However, they seemed new “literacy”, after seeing a photo exhibition about karst Citatah. “Rescue karst Citatah, not just to the site or Gua Gua Pawon Hawu, but saving the environment and education,” he said.

He also regretted if the results of research in karst Citatah was not up to the board members. The reason, has long study on karst Citatah it done.

Brahmantyo realized that to save karst Citatah is not easy. Because the economic interests often trumps other concerns. In addressing this, he suggested that the region Citatah cashew plantations kelutuk (guava). “Kelutuk guava tree planted in chalky region, such as Citatah, was the fruit sweeter. It should start from now the people’s livelihood in the region diverted,” he said.

He also hoped, after Citatah made guava kelutuk center, next to Citatah be like Subang with nanasnya, so karst Citatah can be maintained from mining.

(Source Newspapers Mind Edition Wednesday, July 28, 2010) ***