Jorong Barutama Greston risks losing port license in South Kalimantan

Coal mining company PT Jorong Barutama Greston, a subsidiary of Thai firm Banpu PLC, could lose the operating license of its coal port in Swarangan, Jorong district, Tanah Laut regency, South Kalimantan following the public protests over the alleged use of the port for non-coal activities, local paper Banjarmasin Post reported Monday.

The paper said aside from coal loading activities, the port had been used for the loading and unloading heavy equipment and vehicles.

The company had also caused ?social jealousy? among the local people by employing mostly foreign workers at the port and giving small chance for the local people to work there.

Head of Tanah Laut?s transportation office Samidjan said he had been informed about the case but thus far he could not take actions since his office had to yet to receive an official report about the alleged ?abuse? by Jorong Barutama of its port license.

?We have been (orally) informed about the case, but have yet to receive a written report (about the case) . We shall revoke the company?s port license, if it is proved to have violated (its port license),? Samidjan was quoted by the paper as saying Friday.

He said under the Ministry of Transportation decree No. 240/2000, Jorong Barutama could only use the port for its coal loading activities. The company has to ask for permits from the ministry to use the port for other purposes. (*)