Kitadin asks police, council to solve dispute with villagers

About 500 workers of East Kalimantan-based coal producer PT Kitadin Corporation on Wednesday went to local police and council to ask for help to solve dispute with villagers.

?We want the councils and police could help us to solve the problem as soon as possible,? Leksono Poeranto, senior official of Kitadin parent company Banpu Indonesia told Petromindo.Com.

Leksono said Kitadin had declared force majeure on coal shipment to its customers and buyer on September 18.

Leksono also said the police had promised to hold an internal meeting to discuss the matter.

A group of Kertabuana villagers of East Kutai regency has been blockading Kitadin?s hauling road since last week over payment of their land acquired by the firm.

Kitadin produces some 7,000 tons of coal per day. The company recorded a total output of 2.29 million tons last year, of which about 1.93 million tons were exported. (Godang)