NGOs criticize Arutmin

Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which visited the operation of coal mining firm PT Arutmin Indonesia last month, found serious indication that the company was not serious in dealing with its environment and the local people.

They pointed out that the river near the operation had been heavily polluted judging by the black color of the water, and the waste treatment facility had not been functioning at maximum capacity because of weak supervision of Arutmin management.

They also said that the community development program launched by the company was merely designed to suppress unrest among the local community.

"If this goes on the NGOs will not hesitate to recommend to the government to review the mining contract or terminate it," said Franz Ampong who represented the Olah Tajuk Banjar Lintas Masalah NGO. (*)