PT Inco's donation of Rp 1.75b questioned

Local people have questioned the provision of donation amounting to Rp 1.75 billion from PT Inco, a nickel company based in Luwu, South Sulawesi. On the one hand the management of the company said that the fund for the social activities has been disbursed, but on the other side the local people claimed that they had not received it.

"The fund, set aside for the community in Tuwoti, Nuha and Malili, has not been received," one of the local people, who asked not to be named said.

Hasbir, head of Bumi Sawerigading Foundation, expressed concern over the involvement of officials of the Lutra regional government in the disbursement of the funds.

The fund is intended to help the local community, why should officials of the local government be involved in it? Hasbir questioned. "The fund should be given directly to the local community under the consent of the local government, local legislative council and non-governmental organizations," he said.

Meanwhile, Rumengan Muso, an executive of the company, said that the fund has been disbursed on April 1. "The company is always responsive and ready to help the local people," Rumengan said.

He said he does not have any idea as to who holds the fund. The fact is that the fund is already disbursed, but it hasn't reached the target yet, he said. (*)