Residents occupy gold mine

MUARA TEWEH, Central Kalimantan: Hundreds of local residents are occupying a gold mine belonging to PT Indo Muro Kencana in Barito Utara regency, Antara reported on Saturday.

The residents occupied the area last month over unsettled land reimbursements from the company.

Details on the land dispute were not available, but local officials reportedly attempted to mediate the issue.

Locals occupied three areas within the gold mine complex -- Halubai, Betmen and Permata -- all in the Permata Intan district.

Meanwhile, another group of residents from Oreng village occupied the company's gold mine in Krikil, Tanah Siang district.

"We are trying to settle the dispute peacefully," Barito Utara Police chief Lt. Col. Sugeng S.K. said. (edt)