Kitadin operation returns to normal after week of blockade

Thai energy conglomerate Banpu Plc said Tuesday residents living near its PT Kitadin Corporation's mining site in Kutai Kartanegara regency, East Kalimantan, that blocked the access road since last week had peacefully dispersed.

Banpu Indonesia spokesperson Leksono Poeranto told Petromindo.Com that the residents decided not to continue with their action and left the road last night (Monday night).

“Kitadin operation has returned to normal and continue its production,” Leksono said.

Around 150 villagers from Kertabuana, Tenggarong Seberang subdistrict, since last week had blockaded the operation of Kitadin, forcing the company to stop its coal production. The protesters demanded compensation for the environmental damage such as flood caused by the mining operation.

Leksono did not say, however, if there was a deal with the residents or the local administration.

Kitadin is one of Banpu’s coal mining companies in Indonesia. According to the government’s data, Kitadin recorded production of 1.93 million tons of coal last year. (alex)