Miners clash with employees<\/p>\n
PADANG, West Sumatra: Around 1,500 miners were involved in a
\nclash with 200 employees of a coal mining firm, PT Bukit Asam
\nUnit Pertambangan Ombilin, Sawahlunto on Thursday.<\/p>\n
At least 20 employees sustained injuries while two motorcycles
\nand one bicycle was set alight by crowds at the company's
\nsecurity post. The riot which started around 10 a.m. was believed
\nto have been fueled by the delayed settlement of problems between
\nthe company and traditional miners.<\/p>\n
A few months ago the company management had claimed that
\nSawahlunto was threatened by methane gas caused by the residents'
\nmining activities. However residents suspected the firm was
\ntrying to keep them away from mining in the area.<\/p>\n
On Thursday residents suddenly attacked PT Bukit Asam
\nemployees with stones. Employees ran in panic and a number of
\nthem staged a protest at the Sawhlunto's mayor office bringing
\nalong sharp weapons.<\/p>\n
Police and military officials then coaxed the two parties to
\ndiscuss the problem. Residents demanded that the firm raise the
\nprice of coal bought from them at Rp 40,000 per ton.<\/p>\n
Mayor Subari Sukardi said he suspected outside traders of
\ninstigating the riots because the company policy no longer
\nenabled them to buy coal from residents. \"As far as I know there
\nare 1,000 adults in the area, but 1,500 rioted,\" Subari said,
\nquestioning where the remainder came from.<\/p>\n
In September the regency formed a fact-finding team to check
\nout reports of methane leakage from illegal mines. The management
\nof PT Bukit Asam had reported methane emissions above 10 percent,
\na critical level, and hundreds were evacuated in fear of an
\nexplosion. (28)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/miners-clash-with-employees-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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