Fishermen riot in Cilacap

CILACAP, Central Java: A riot erupted late Wednesday involving at least 200 fishermen in the Adipala district, who claimed waste from a plant contaminated the nearby river, destroying thousands of fish.

A number of buildings on factory grounds of the state-run mining company PT Aneka Tambang were destroyed. Dozens of pipes, roof tiles and diesel machines were damaged.

Cilacap Police chief Lt. Col. Andi Lolo blamed the riot on a lack of communication between residents and management of the plant which processes iron ore.

"It's the residents themselves who face a loss, as the plant employs hundreds of them," Andi told The Jakarta Post.

One of the fishermen, Sukarman, 45, said management had ignored their urgent demands that the company cease dumping plant waste in the river.

As of Thursday, dozens of security personnel were guarding the company site, although no arrests were made, Andi said.

"Coastal people are determined people, we'll try approaching them first."

Last year, thousands of Cilacap fishermen ran amok, citing low wages from employers. (45)