Jakarta, April 17 -- Indonesia's Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq on Thursday announced plans to inspect mining sites located on small islands in response to reports of environmental pollution.

He said the Ministry of Environment had received reports of improper mining practices that have caused environmental damage in areas such as Morowali (Central Sulawesi), Weda Bay (North Maluku), and Kabaena Island (Southeast Sulawesi).

"I have learned that some small islands have been extensively polluted. So far, we've confirmed conditions in the industrial zones of Weda Bay and Morowali," he said.

Nurofiq made the statement after a technical coordination meeting on land fire control, held in Jakarta with the Indonesian Palm Oil Ent...