Indonesia to observe Earth Hour

Jakarta (ANTARA Lampung) - Several regions in Indonesia are set to observe Earth Hour on Saturday by turning off electricity as part of a global effort to save energy.

People in several regions such as Cimahi in West Java province and Mataram in West Nusa Tenggara province have expressed their willingness to follow the program.

The regional administration in Cimahi city will observe Earth Hour by turning off electricity in the region from 7 P.M TO 8 P.M. local time on Saturday (March 28).

"The program is a save energy effort. I hope all people in Cimahi will participate in the program," Chief of Cimahi Environment Office Untung Undiyanto said in Cimahi on Friday.

According to Untung, the government has instructed all sub-district and village level administrations to observe Earth Hour.

The local administration has informed the people about the save energy program. The annual program will also involve schools, governmental institutions as well as private sectors.

"If the people cannot switch off all their lights, then they can participate in the program by turning off their unnecessary electric devices," Untung pointed out.

The Cimahi administration has put up banners in public places appealing to the people about promoting the save energy program.

The people in Mataram city have stated their readiness to follow the save energy program.

Non-governmental organizations, students, and local people in the city have been creating statements related to environmental issues in Mataram.

"Several organizations have created statements on environmental issues in Mataram. They will deliver their aspirations during Earth Hour on Saturday night," Mataram Earth Hour program coordinator Gunawan said in Mataram.

Gunawan noted this will be the second time that Mataram City will be participating in the Earth Hour program. The Mataram administration has given its support to the "switch off" event on Saturday.

"The government has supported the program by appealing to all regional officers, chiefs of sub-districts, and village heads to turn off all electric devices and office lamps between 8:30 P.M. and 9.30 P.M. local time," Gunawan added.

Chief of Mataram Environment Office Muhamad Saleh expressed hope that the Earth Hour program will become part of the people's lifestyle.

"We hope the program will become a part of people's lifestyles. These are positive things that can be done by anyone for the planet Earth because environmental issues are not government affairs alone but all parties should take part in it," Saleh emphasized.(Ant)