Govt told to be fair over coal transport policy

The new ruling on the banning of the use of public roads for coal transport introduced by the local administration of South Kalimantan in January has managed to curb illegal mining activities in the province.

But the administration is seen to be unfair as it still allows giant mining firms PT Adaro, PT Arutmin and PT Jorong Barutama Grestone to use the state road in the transport of their coal products.

"This is clearly unfair. The traditional miners are being forbidden to use the public roads, while the big companies are allowed," said a businessman who declined to be named.

Separately, Husni Thamrin Djaja, a senior official at the administration, said that there should be not discrimination in the execution of the policy.

He urged the local offices of the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Communications and Transportation to work more closely to solve the alleged problem. (*)