Huge diamond find in C. Kalimantan

MUARA TEWEH, Central Kalimantan: Residents of Sungai Batang village recently discovered a giant 64.5 carat diamond and are putting it on sale for Rp 3.8 billion.

Yoseph Stalin, an official from North Barito regency, confirmed the find, saying that a businessman from South Kalimantan reportedly offered Rp 2 billion for the diamond but it was turned down.

Antara on Thursday quoted Pahri Janan, a former district chief in the area, as saying that the land was long known for its high- quality diamonds. However, the find is the largest since prospecting began in the 1950s.

He remarked that an English geologist who studied the area in 1983 said there was a stockpile of diamonds buried underground.

"That's why this district is named Permata Intan (Diamond Jewels)," Pahri said. (mds)