BANJARMASIN-A number of ports in Indonesia, especially those in the eastern region of Sumatra, South Kalimantan, and the north of Java to Nusa Tengara in the next SO years are predicted to sink due to global warming.

""American Maritime data released by National Geographies estimates that in 50 years a number of ports in Indonesia will sink due to global warming,"" said a researcher at the Center for Policy Studies and System Dynamics of Muhammadiyah University Jakarta, who is also Commissioner of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia I, Abdul Razak Manan, yesterday.

Razak projects sea water rise within the next 50 years to reach 70 cm to 1.5 rn.

""The position of ports in eastern Sumatra, southern Kalimantan, northern Jawahingga Nusa Tenggara is very prone to sinking. In fact, the ports of Belawan [Medan], Tanjung Priok [Jakarta], Tanjung Perak [Surabaya], Trisakti Port [Banjarmasin], Genoa (Bali) are predicted to sink within 50 years."

He explained that coastal areas that will be affected by sea water rise are triggered by topography and wind conditions, especially monsoon winds.

In a separate place, Director General of Spatial Planning of the Ministry of Public Works Imam S. Ernawi revealed that almost all properties in coastal areas, including tourism areas, have not heeded the provisions of building structures that are able to anticipate tsunami disasters.

""It is not that they should not be built, but property owners should apply the rules of coastal building structures, such as the existence of culverts that drain water, and are earthquake resistant."" (K21/K45)