Residents block marble mine

Residents block marble mine

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: At least 100 residents of Netpala
village, Molo Utara in the Timor Tengah Selatan regency here
blocked a marble mine on Saturday in an effort to force the
mining company, PT Karya Asta Alam, to pull out of the area.

A long-standing dispute has prevailed over extensive mining
exploitation which has resulted in widespread environmental
damage, including water pollution. The company has also been
blamed for dividing people into those who accept and those who
oppose the mine's activities.

"Therefore we reject the marble mine's exploitation here,"
Juleta Baun, coordinator of Sanggar Suara Perempuan (Voice of
Women Group), said on Saturday.

Timor Tengah Selatan regent Wilhelmus Nope urged locals to
allow the mining company to continue operations pending an
official decision on its fate. Nope said the mine has generated
revenue for the regency.

The company director Tommy Sianto said the firm had suspended
operations for six months due to the conflict. (yac/edt)