1000 protesters to stage rally on Wednesday over KPC divestment

An estimated 1000 people will on Wednesday stage a protest rally in Samarinda to complain that the natives of East Kalimantan had not been involved in the province?s fight for purchasing shares of coal mining giant PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC), East Kalimantan-based Kaltim Post daily reported on Wednesday.

The protesters are supporters of six mass organizations which represent East Kalimantan natives, Rusdi, chairman of one of the organizations was quoted by Kaltim Post as saying on Tuesday.

They will hold demonstration at the office of the East Kalimantan provincial governor and the provincial legislative council (DPRD). The six organizations alleged that the provincial administration had facilitated the recent dispatch to Jakarta of a delegation of 34 mass organizations to seek support of national leaders for East Kalimantan?s to become the preferred bidder for 51 percent stake in KPC.

?We can not say that they represent East Kalimantan natives. They bypassed us by not including us in the delegation,? Rusdi said.

KPC is set to divest 51 percent of its shares end-June. Several state companies and private investors have also expressed their intention to buy the shares.

The company operates coalmines in Sangatta in East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan. (*)