Public mounts pressure on mining companies in East Kalimantan

The mounting pressure set by the public East Kalimantan on mining investors in the province has reached an alarming level, an official was quoted by Kaltim Post as saying on Thursday.

"Frankly speaking, we are embarrassed and deeply concerned (over the situation). The situation in East Kalimantan has reached a dangerous level," Enggang Abdussalam, head of the general mining office of the provincial administration, said.

He said many mining companies could no longer operate peacefully due to the numerous demands of the public.

"The latest report we receive say gold mining company PT Kelain Equatorial Mining faced difficulties in its operation due the (local) people's pressure," he said.

He said his office could do nothing but asked the investors to take wise actions and maintain good relations with the local people.

He said Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was scheduled to visit the province today (Friday) to hold a dialog with the provincial mines and energy officials on the issue (*)