South Sulawesi parliament urges govt to revise Inco mining contract

The South Sulawesi House of Representatives urged the central government in Jakarta to revise the contract of nickel mining company PT Inco on grounds that the company had an "arrogant attitude" toward the local people and alleged environmental destruction.

The South Sulawesi legislators made the demand during a meeting with their legislator counterpart in Jakarta on Tuesday. Also attended the meeting was the independent Walhi environmental watchdog, and the South Sulawesi LBH advocacy.

The South Sulawesi legislators insisted that any review of the Inco contract should involve the local South Sulawesi administration.

At least two thousand Soroako people in Luwu regency staged on Monday a peaceful demonstration at Inco's headquarters.

The demonstrators lambasted the company for being discriminative in its employee recruitment policy and alleged the company of dishonoring local cultural institution because the company had never considered the aspiration of the local people.(*)