S. Sumatra governor criticized for renewing coal transport permit

By Godang Sitompul

South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin issued a decree on October 20, renewing the permit of PT Ampera Pulau Kemarau in transporting coal through public roads, despite earlier promises that coal transport via public roads should be banned starting that date.

According to the decree, Ampera will be allowed to transport coal via public roads in Lahat Regency, Muara Enim Regency, Prabumulih City, Ogan Ilir Regency, and provincial capital city of Palembang from 6 pm to 5 am.

Head of the Transportation Office of Muara Enim Regency administration Akmaluddin confirmed his office has received the new decree on the extension of the Ampera coal transport permit via public roads.

He, however, quickly added that his office will not allowed other trucking companies from transporting coal via public roads if their permits are not extended.

He said that the permit of two other companies has also been renewed. He did not disclose the name of the firms.

Meanwhile, Head of the Muara Enim KNPI youth organization, Ardiansyah, criticized the move by the governor to extend the coal transport permit via public roads, saying that it is in breach of the local bylaw and moves against the interest of the general public, which have long complained of air pollution and heavy traffic jams caused by the coal transport.

Ardiansyah said that according to the 2011 bylaw, coal transport vial public roads should have been ended two years after the issuance of the bylaw, but the provincial administration has repeatedly delayed the policy.

He said that coal miners should use the PT Servo coal hauling road in transporting their coal.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak