Sidoarjo, NU Online
Sidoarjo district head Win Hendrarso has expressed hope that the central government would fully take over the Lapindo mud flow problem in Porong if the technical team currently handling it failed to find a satisfactory solution by December.

"If the technical team is unable to stop the hot mud flow in Porong by December, we are afraid it will become a lasting disaster. If this happens, the central government should fully take over the problem," the district chief said here on Tuesday (21/11).

<>Win Hendrarso said he was surprised that although the National Team  for Mitigation of the  Sidoarjo Mud Flow (PSLS) was formed by a presidential decree, the team also included a private sector element -- Lapindo.

"If the central government takes over the problem, it will be fully responsible for the social problems involved such as the relocation  and compensation of the mud flow victims," Win said.

He said he was disappointed about the management of the mud flow  problem so he asked the central government to be responsible.

"The national team for PSLS does not fully involve the government but also Lapindo in the mud management. Lapindo is not transparent in financial matters. That is why,  the team is not working effectively," he said. (ant/dar)