Unocal reaches agreement with protesters

Oil and gas firm PT Unocal Indonesia Company reached "agreement" with protesters on Friday in which the company promised to prioritize the Panajam local people in Pasir regency, East Kalimantan, in its recruitment program, the Kaltim Post daily reported.

The agreement was reached after a two-hour negotiation with representatives of the protesters. The negotiation was also attended by four local legislators, and local administration officials.

Hundreds of Panajam youths gathered Friday morning at the front gate of the Unocal supply base to continue last week's protest demanding the company to prioritize local people for the company's easy work.

Some 30 policemen were seen in the location to anticipate possible violence as the protesters vowed last week to take brutal action if Unocal failed to meet its promise.

Unocal then decided to invite two representatives of the protesters, and reached a four-point agreement:

First, Unocal would immediately employ three local Panajam people.

Second, Unocal would ask its contractor in Panajam to prioritize local people in its recruitment program.

Third, the local administration would select the three people to be immediately employed by Unocal and would decide the criteria of the local people.

Fourth, Panajam people working at Unocal must pass the requirement set by the company.

Some protesters expressed dissatisfaction over the agreement particularly the first point, but they ended the protest peacefully. (*)