Sorong regent faces Rp 225 billion lawsuit

JAKARTA (JP): Tribal people in Inanwatan and Aitinyo subdistricts, Irian Jaya, have sought compensation of Rp 225 billion (US95 million) from Sorong regent Jhon Piet Wanane following the destruction of three million sago trees.

In a report addressed to the minister of home affairs in Jakarta, the Irian natives said the tree felling was particularly regrettable as sago was their staple food.

Antara did not say when the natives would file their lawsuit.

Robuan Zainuddin, the ministry's director for public administration, has ordered the regent to settle the dispute amicably.

Spokesman for the Inanwatan and Aitinyo communities J.E. Amase Kambu told the ministry the tree cutting was done by officials from the state-run oil company, Pertamina, while doing a survey.

According to Kambu, the government offered no compensation for the sago trees grown on communal land.

Irian Jaya deputy governor Herman Monim said reports about the destruction of the sago trees surprised him. He described it as an "irresponsible act", Antara reported.

He said the Sorong government should have safeguarded the sago trees instead of destroying the source of locals' staple food.

Antara reported that Manokwari-based PT Sagindo Sari Lestari, a company with a concession to exploit sago in Sorong, also cuts sago trees indiscriminately. (pan)