Workers demonstration at Pertamina EP field turns violent

By Godang Sitompul

Workers demonstration at the Mundu oil and gas field owned by PT Pertamina EP West Java Region turned into anarchy on the third day as they physically attacked four of the company?s workers.

Because of the incident, Pertamina EP decided to temporarily shut down operation on Thursday, losing some 1,500 bopd in production from the field.

?In Mundu/Jabibarang, a number of production activities have to be stopped because it (the demonstration) has turned into anarchy, four workers were beaten up, and the office was vandalized,? said Pertamina EP President Director Syamsu Alam to Petromindo.com Friday.

The demonstration at the Mundu field was part of a nationwide campaign by workers throughout the country to protest against outsourcing including in the entire operation of Pertamina EP.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak