Sorong regent faces Rp 225 billion lawsuit<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Tribal people in Inanwatan and Aitinyo
\nsubdistricts, Irian Jaya, have sought compensation of Rp 225
\nbillion (US95 million) from Sorong regent Jhon Piet Wanane
\nfollowing the destruction of three million sago trees.<\/p>\n
In a report addressed to the minister of home affairs in
\nJakarta, the Irian natives said the tree felling was particularly
\nregrettable as sago was their staple food.<\/p>\n
Antara did not say when the natives would file their lawsuit.<\/p>\n
Robuan Zainuddin, the ministry's director for public
\nadministration, has ordered the regent to settle the dispute
\namicably.<\/p>\n
Spokesman for the Inanwatan and Aitinyo communities J.E. Amase
\nKambu told the ministry the tree cutting was done by officials
\nfrom the state-run oil company, Pertamina, while doing a survey.<\/p>\n
According to Kambu, the government offered no compensation for
\nthe sago trees grown on communal land.<\/p>\n
Irian Jaya deputy governor Herman Monim said reports about the
\ndestruction of the sago trees surprised him. He described it as
\nan \"irresponsible act\", Antara reported.<\/p>\n
He said the Sorong government should have safeguarded the sago
\ntrees instead of destroying the source of locals' staple food.<\/p>\n
Antara reported that Manokwari-based PT Sagindo Sari Lestari,
\na company with a concession to exploit sago in Sorong, also cuts
\nsago trees indiscriminately. (pan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sorong-regent-faces-rp-225-billion-lawsuit-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}