Forest estate's building burned

PADANG, West Sumatra: Local farmers set fire to the equipment shelter of a forestry company, angry with local businessmen, an official said yesterday.

Head of the provincial forest office, Ishak Sumantri, said that the angry mob burned down an equipment shed and a building of PT DMT, located in Pesisir Selatan area, last month following a conflict between local people and forest concessionaires, Antara reported yesterday.

Director of PT DMT said that the company suffered a loss of Rp 100 million.

Deputy police chief of the province Col. Yuzar Hasan said on a separate occasion that a number of local people were being questioned in connection with the incident.

According to the Pesisir Selatan regent, Masdar Saisa, PT DMT had ignored its obligation to help local people develop the area.(sim)