Cement producer PT Holcim Indonesia has reiterated its commitment to regenerate its limestone mining site on Nusakambangan island, Central Java, amid concerns raised by activists about deteriorating environmental conditions on the island.

In cooperation with the Cilacap Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA), Holcim Indonesia’s Cilacap plant has continued cultivating the island’s native trees at the site.

"We care about the environment. Holcim naturally will be responsible for the recovery program," PT Holcim Indonesia’s relationship management director Rusli Setiawan told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday after a meeting with BKSDA chief forest ranger Dedy Supriyanto.

Holcim Cilacap community relations manager Kunto Sandjono said Holcim had so far regenerated 13 of the 51 hectares it used for mining.

Kunto said the company secured a permit from the Central Java governor in 2006 to mine limestone in 1000 hectares of Nusakambangan’s 16,000 hectare forest.