Protests damage local economy

Protests damage local economy

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The closure of government and private
company offices by demonstrators who sought the dismissal of the
Sorong regent has incurred big losses for local companies.

Poerwandi, branch manager of PT Usaha Mina, a private fishery
company, said on Wednesday that his company suffered Rp 200
million in financial losses due to the closure.

"The losses exclude the operational costs of seven unloaded
ships which have been berthed at the port for days," he said in a
report to the Jayapura based Institute for Human Rights and
Advocacy (IGRSTAD).

Human resources development manager of PT Herikson Iriana, Edi
Widayanto, said that the forestry company had lost at least Rp 5
billion in production expenses.

On Monday thousands of demonstrators urged that Sorong Regent
John Piet Wanane resign soon. The angered protesters then urged
the closure of 11 eleven government and private companies in the
town. (eba)