Steel plant protested

SEMARANG: Thousands of villagers in Jrakah district in Tugu staged a demonstration outside the plant of PT Inti General Yaja Steel because of allegations that it is polluting the air.

The villagers said the steel plant emits black smoke, and many people living in the area have started coughing. People have also complained that their laundry has been affected.

The company has been ordered to install a dust collector to reduce the pollution caused by its plant. The plant was also at one time the subject of an investigation by the Environmental Impact Management Agency.

The villagers said that if the plant could not be relocated, it should at least cut down on pollution. (har/emb)