Youth leader under investigation for threatening PT BA

The leader of the Sriwijaya Youth Council (Demusi), Edward Jaya, is being investigated by the police in Palembang, South Sumatra for allegedly extorting and threatening the management of coal mining company PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam (PT BA), Kompas reported on Thursday.

The local police chief Arum Priyono said that the youth leader had allegedly extorted and threatened to occupy in the head office of PT BA when the man led a demonstration against the company in January this year.

Arum said that Edward had demanded the company to raise development funds worth Rp 2 billion for the local people, and changed the company?s board of executives, or he would mobilize the local people to occupy the company?s office in Tanjung Enim, Muara Enim regency.

"During an initial investigation, the local people said that they knew nothing about the demand," he added.

The youth leader?s lawyer, Nurkholis, denied the accusation. He said that statements made by his client only reflected his critical opinion on the company?s management, and it had nothing to do with extortion and threat against the company. (*)