Villagers protest coal mining firm

The Soato Tatakan villagers in Tapin regency, South Kalimantan, demonstrated at the local House of Representatives on Monday protesting the stockpiling of tons of coal in their village by coal mining firm PT Antang Gunung Meratus (AGM).

The protesters said that the coal stockpiling had polluted the local environment including river, irrigation system and air. The villagers said that the dust from the coal was threatening their health.

The villagers demanded AGM to move the stockpiling location from their village.

The Soato Tatakan people also criticized the company for not putting a priority in recruiting local people as its workers. (*)