Update: Arutmin employees stage demonstration

Arutmin employees have staged a demonstration since Tuesday to express concern over the planned purchase of the South Kalimantan coal-mining firm by PT Bumi Resources Tbk.

One of the protesters said that they feared the entry of a new owner would lead to a massive change in management and layoffs.

There has been concern the demonstration would disrupt production.

But Arutmin external relations manager Sonny Pangestu told Petromindo.com that the demonstration had so far not disrupted production. He said coal shipment was a little affected.

Arutmin recently sealed a deal with Bumi Resources to allow the latter to acquire 80 percent stake in the former. Arutmin is one of the country?s major coal mining companies. (Godang)