[Message received from NGO in North Sulawesi dated July 1 - translated.]
More than 300 young Minahasans (one of the peoples of N. Sulawesi) protested about the presence of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya – the largest gold mine in North Sulawesi located at the village of Ratatotok. A group of "reformists" occupied part of the mine for more than 7 hours.
They are demanding that the company sticks to the Contract of Work which has been agreed; stops imposing fines on community miners; and pays more royalties to the government. At present royalties are split 50:50: 15% to the provincial government; 10% to central government: 25% for the people of Minahasa* and the remaining 50% to the company.
The local people who call themselves a "Reform group" wanted to put pressure on PT Newmont's management. The crowd yelled loudly, waving banners bearing slogans saying "Adhere to Clause 33 of the Constitution" (about land rights); "Cancel the Contract of Work", "Wipe out Corruption, Collusion and Nepotism" and such like.
Around 2pm local time, Newmont's management gave in to the crowd and agreed to meet 9 representatives of the reformists: Aang Marentek; Theodrus Tuerah, Dr Jan Posumah, Adrian Montotalu, Denny Togas, Harry Runtuwene, Max Makal, Arifin Kia Demak and A. Karim Salamon. Newmont was represented by Ian Gaffin as Acting General Manager and Rick Morroy. Indra Sofyar acted as translator for the discussion, which was calm and friendly.
In the discussion Aang Marentek demanded that PT Newmont fulfilled all its contractual responsibilities – such as the taxes which had not been paid. The protestors also pressed the company to be more open about its production figures. The company did meet some of these demands. For example Ian McGaffin (sic) said that 1230 kiogrammes of gold were produced weekly (surely too high?) and that the company would not impose illegal fines on local miners. Newmont also said it would comply if the government wanted to look into the presence of the mine. It did not agree to increase its percentage contribution to the government as McGaffin said he had no authority so to do.
Aang, who was a member of the provincial Administrative Assembly (until forced to resign by the Regent) said that the protestors would remain at the mine until their demand for an increase in payments was met.