Arutmin says coal terminal project won't affect fish population

South Kalimantan-based coal miner PT Arutmin Indonesia has denied allegations that the construction of its North Pulau Laut Coal Terminal in Tanjung Pemancingan, Kotabaru had affected fish population in the surrounding waters, Banjarmasin Post reported on Saturday.

The firm's public relation official Zainuddin JR made the statement to counter claims by local fishermen that fish population in the waters around the Pulau Laut island had decreased to the project.

The fishermen have staged rally against the coal firm, demanding the firm pay them Rp 15,000 per day for five years in compensation.

Zainuddin said the demand was unacceptable since the drop in fish population in the area was due to the increase in the number of fishermen.

He also said a study by South Kalimantan's Lambung Mangkurat University indicates that the project will bring no adverse impact on the area's fish population.

He noted however that the firm was still concerned with the welfare of the local fishermen. Thereby, the firm has given Rp 400 million to the local government to finance community development programs to support the fishermen. (*)