Total must change its policy toward local people

Oil and gas firm PT Total Indonesia as well as other oil and gas firms operating in East Kalimantan must change its community development program because it has never been successful in improving the welfare of the local people living near the companies operation.

Suara Kaltim concluded that despite years of community development program, the local people are still poor and backward.

A group of journalists were invited by Total Indonesia to see its operational site. Former coordinating minister of the People's Welfare Haryono Suyono, who was invited as a speaking in the press gathering, was also sad to see the poor living condition of the local people particularly the poor condition of the school and unhealthy living condition.

Meanwhile, head of a local village said that without the help of Total Indonesia, the condition of the villages would be worse.

But the journalists said that the local people should not be treated as the ones who needed help but should be seen the ones who have the rights to the companie's profit from the oil and gas operation.(*)