Jatam determines to sue Unocal

Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) said it determined to sue oil and gas company Unocal Indonesia Company for allegedly defaming the non-governmental organization.

Jatam's national coordinator Chalid Muhammad told Petromindo. Com on Monday that Unocal had tried to amicably settle the case through negotiations, but his organization would not continue the negotiation as it determined to seek legal solution to the dispute.

He said Jatam still demand the company publish apology on the local newspapers.

Jatam and the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) threatened to sue Unocal in March this year following an environmental dispute.

Jatam accused the company of causing pollution around its operational site in Tanjung Santan, East Kalimantan, but Unocal denied the pollution charges, accusing Jatam of spreading misleading information to the public.

Unocal also regretted that Walhi had shared Jatam's negative view of the company's operation.

Jatam and Walhi then demanded Unocal publish full-page apologies on at least three national newspapers and two East Kalimantan-based newspapers for three consecutive days.

Jatam has appointed the Chairil Syah & Smith law firm to represent it in the dispute while Unocal has hired Luhut MP Panagaribuan & Associates.

Luhut confirmed on Wednesday that he had several talks with Jatam's lawyers to settle the case amicably.

"During the talks, we told Jatam that Unocal had no intention to defame the organization and Unocal appreciates and supports the participation of all members of the public to protect the environment," Luhut said.

Luhut said he had yet to be notified by Jatam that it had stopped the negotiation efforts and would pursue a legal solution to the dispute. (*)