Plans to blockade PT Badak NGL disapproved by youth organization

Plans by some 55 youth organizations in East Kalimantan, coordinated by the provincial chapter of the KNPI youth group, to blockade the operation of liquefied natural gas producer PT Badak NGL in Bontang, may not be realized after another group of local organizations and several non-governmental organizations expressed their disapproval.

The local Kaltim Post daily quoted Abdul Rasyid, chairman of the Garesi youth organization, as saying that the youth in Bontang would fight against any outsiders trying to create unrest in the area.

Earlier reports quoted head of the East Kalimantan KNPI Amir P. Ali as saying that he would organize some 55 youth organizations to stage massive demonstration and blockade the distribution of Badak NGL's LNG in a bid to force the company to be transparent about LNG sales and to contribute more to the development of Bontang area.

Abdul said that his organization would support the demand for transparency and more contribution from Badak NGL, but quickly added that he would oppose any plans to Sabotage Badak NGL and create unrest in the area.

Several youth organizations have also previously demanded Badak NGL to contribute more to local development. They said that the company had exploited the local natural resources for years but it had only contributed very little to Bontang.(*)