Newmont condemns local government-sponsored blockade

MATARAM. PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (NNT), operator of the Batu Hijau gold and copper mine in West Nusa Tenggara, has expressed its disappointment in the West Sumbawa regency government, which coordinated local civil servants to blockade the company's operations on Monday.

Around 600 people gathered at the NNT office from 2:30 a.m. to demand the final 7 percent stake the company is to divest be given to the local government. Several students and locals also took part in the demonstration.

NNT general manager for operations David Lilley said the local government should uphold the law, maintain order and support the development of West Sumbawa regency, not illegally sabotage his company's operations.

“The action taken by West Sumbawa regent [Zulkifli Muhadli] may impede on investments in the regency and the country. This action will also reduce revenue collected by local, provincial and central governments from the Batu Hijau mining area,” he said in a press statement.

The company's spokesman, Kasan Mulyono, told The Jakarta Post the demonstration began at 7 a.m. and the police managed to direct demonstrators to a parking area so the crowd did not disturb the company's activities.

The demonstration heated at around 11 a.m. when demonstrators attempted to break the police's barricade, throwing rocks. A police officer and four demonstrators were taken to the nearest community health center for minor injuries. (Rangga D. Fadillah/The Jakarta Post)