Pro- and anti-Indo Muro Kencana groups expected to clash today

Villagers who supported the operation of gold mining company Indo Muro Kencana (IMK), a subsidiary of Australian mining firm Aurora Gold, in Central Kalimantan threatened to take actions today (Monday) to take over parts of the gold mine occupied for months by villagers who were against the company's operation.

"We shall take over the occupied concession of Indo Muro Kencana from the people who are against the company tomorrow (today). We area ready for physical clash," Sukriadi said on Sunday.

Sukriadi, who is the coordinator of the pro-IMK group, said his group would field 45,000 people from 45 villages to take over the occupied land.

The group had earlier sent an ultimatum for the occupiers to leave the area until Feb. 2000, warning that they would "settle the case their own way" if the occupiers refused to leave the land.

Thousands of villagers have been occupying some parts of IMK's concession in three districts of Murung, Tanah Siang and Permata Intan for more than a half year, claiming that the land belonged to their ancestors and that the company had not yet paid compensations for the land.

Some villagers who lived close to the gold mine opposed to the occupation, saying the company had done a lot to help the local people.

Sukriadi accused a local non-governmental organization (NGO), named Resources Management Foundation (YBSD), of masterminding the occupation and forcing each of the villagers to pay between Rp 30,000 and Rp 60,000 in fee for their service.

He also accused the NGO of hampering all efforts by the villagers and the company to settle the case.

Due to the occupation, the company could also not realize to provide helps to the local people, Sukriadi said.

NJ Udang, head of YBSD, said he was unfazed by the threats of Sukriadi and friends.

"Who is his troop? It's not true that he can field 45,000 people. He will be lucky enough to be supported by 4.5 people," Udang said. (*)