Sumba residents attack Fathi Resources? mine area

Hundreds of residents of Praikarokujang sub-district, Central Sumba regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), attacked workers at a mining site owned by PT Fathi Resources on Thursday afternoon, last week in a protest against exploration activities at the site, The Jakarta Post reported Monday.

The residents used sharp weapons and stones in the attack. Heavy equipment used for mining exploration was also burnt.

Mine workers fled from the attackers into Manupeu Tana Daru National Park.

Central Sumba Deputy Regent Umbu Dondu confirmed the attack on Friday. ?We have received the report and have asked the police to provide security. The situation is under control but the police are still on guard to prevent further attacks,? Umbu said.

He said PT Fathi was exploring the site for gold and manganese.

?If the study shows that mining is feasible then the company will ask for a license to move forward with the environmental impact analysis and other activities,? he said.

Umbu denied accusations that the exploration was being conducted inside national park grounds, saying the site was a free zone and not part of the park according to the regency?s spatial planning documents.

The regency administration has different data as to the borders of the site compared with national park management, he said. ?But, we have formed a verification team to conduct an investigation into the matter as soon as possible,? Umbu said. (*)