Palu students reject mining bylaw

Palu students reject mining bylaw

PALU, Central Sulawesi: At least 100 Palu student activists
from the Students Against Mining League stated their opposition
to Bylaw No.1/2004 on permission to carry out mining in protected
forests. Their objection was made before officials from the
provincial government on Thursday, and was filled with
anticapitalist protest.

The protest continued as officials listened to students from
Senate Executive Boards of various universities in Palu, who
demanded the Central Sulawesi government reject the bylaw on the
grounds that it could result in damage to the environment.

Having issued the bylaw, the government they said, had
mortgaged the forests in the interests of capitalists who never
sided with the public.

Andi Akbar from Tadulako University's Senate Executive Board
said issuance of the bylaw would clearly destroy the forest park
in Peboya, West Palu, and the wildlife reserve in Bangkiriang,
Banggai regency. Both areas are scheduled for exploration in the
near future as they both have huge mineral deposits. -- JP