Arutmin hit by massive demonstration

Hundreds of villagers in Kelumpang Tengah district, Kotabaru regency, South Kalimantan, have staged a demonstration since Wednesday demanding coal mining firm PT Arutmin Indonesia to immediately start a recruitment process because they have already completed company-sponsored training program.

A witness said that the demonstration disrupted the company?s production and coal shipment activities.

Around 400 villagers are believed to have completed the training program jointly organized by Arutmin and the local office of the ministry of labor affairs.

A phone operator at Arutmin office in Jakarta confirmed on Friday the news, but was not sure whether the demonstration was still continuing. Senior company officials were not available to provide further details.

Last month, some 200 Arutmin employees also staged a demonstration amid fears that the entry of a new owner may cause major reshuffle and layoffs. Local investor called PT Bumi Resources had agreed to acquire Arutmin from BHP Billiton Indonesia.(Amoros)