Adaro?s workers meet with council members over villagers? violent actions

Around 50 workers of South Kalimantan-based coal miner PT Adaro Indonesia on Friday marched to the Tabalong regency council office to complain about mounting violent actions carried out by people living near its mining sites, local daily Banjarmasin Post reported.

In their meeting with council members, the workers said that the Tabalong authorities had been slow to respond to complaints from communities around Adaro?s mining sites. They said further that the authorities, including the police, had not been serious enough to deal with demonstrations held by local villagers against the firm.

The workers said villagers had blockaded roads leading to Adaro?s mining sites and coal port, and that many of them demanded that the company employ them.

?As Adaro?s workers we are worried about this matter. Moreover, there were rumors that the company will be closed down due to rising road blockades carried out by the villagers,? said Hikmatul Amin who is a member of Adaro?s Workers Organization (OPA).

The workers told council members that the Tabalong administration should issue special regulations to protect investors and maintain supportive business climate in the area.

They also urged that the council be involved in the distribution of community development funds provided by Adaro.

Recently, a group of villagers reportedly blockaded the road leading to Adaro?s crushing plant and coal port, causing production loss of 420,000 tons.

Adaro produces some 70,000 of coal per day, and is Indonesia?s largest coal producer with production target of around 21 million tons in 2002. (*)