Unocal says Tanjung Santan pollution an old issue

Oil and gas contractor PT Unocal Indonesia Company said that the environmental problem in the Tanjung Santan area in East Kalimantan province was a problem of the past, which had been settled.

"It's a problem of the past which has been settled and there's no unrest (among the community). There's been strong agreement between Unocal and the local community," said Unocal public relations officer Samsulistyo.

Samsulistyo was responding to reports in Jakarta that Unocal had destructed the local environment because of its waste product which contained hazardous materials beyond tolerable level and the company's waste management system which was not appropriate with the area.

The environmental destruction allegation was made by a non-governmental organization called the mining network legal advocacy or popularly called JATAM.

Samsulistyo didn't provide further explanation, pointing out that it's Unocal's Jakarta office, which would provide further detail explanation. (*)