Villagers protest coal mining company
Tuesday, April 18 2000 - 02:30 AM WIB
The people of the Muara subdistrict, West Kutai regency, in East Kalimantan have detained six pontoons belonging to coal mining company PT GBPC for three days.
Kaltim Post daily reported the six pontoons were not allowed to pass through the Kedang Pahu river until the company realized what it promises including to provide fish farming facilities, develop a village road, and provide training for local youth.
The villagers also demanded the company to develop its own road route to transport its coal.
The villagers also staged a peaceful demonstration against the head of the Muara subdistrict who had been alleged of quietly receiving some Rp 5 million from GBPC.
Local executives of several leading political parties supported their villagers in making demands to the coal mining company. (*)