Ferry transport inaugurated

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Southeast Sulawesi Governor La Ode Kaimoeddin inaugurated on Monday the operation of the Pulau Sagori ferry to serve a new route linking Torobulu in Kendari to Tampo in Muna.

Kaimoeddin said the inauguration of the ferry service showed the central government's support in people-oriented development programs in the region.

"Sea transportation in Southeast Sulawesi is very strategic due to its geographical location," he said, adding that the new facility was expected to benefit the public.

The ferry was manufactured by the Indonesian Shipbuilding Industry (IKI) at a cost of Rp 15 billion (US$1.65 million). The funds to build it were taken from the budget of the province's River, Lake and Ferry Transport (ASDP) Office, Antara reported. (08)

;JP; ANPAa..r.. Across-mining-lawsuit Mining firm faces lawsuit JP/2/Across

Mining firm faces lawsuit

MUARA TEWEH, Central Kalimantan: Dozens of residents in Luit Raya in the Permata Intan subdistrict filed a lawsuit against gold-mining company PT Indo Muro Kencana (IMK) over a land dispute.

In the lawsuit, residents are demanding the company pay compensation amounting to Rp 2.6 billion (US$286,501), said Herly S. Penyang, a representative of the 35 neighbors, after a meeting with North Barito Regent Badaruddin.

The demand was first made in 1987 and 1988 when the company resumed its mining activities in an area covering three subdistricts -- Tanah Siang, Kemurung and Permata Intan.

"We've often pushed our demand for compensation, but there has been no positive response as PT IMK defends that the compensation issue is over," he said.

Central Kalimantan Governor Asmawi Agani has urged the regional administration in the North Barito district to settle the problem.

Without giving an exact figure, Herly Penyang said that the villagers agreed to reduce the amount of the compensation. (08)