President Abdurrahman Wahid of Indonesia has ordered the military to safeguard mining operations in the country, following a series of attacks on foreign-owned mines.

Speaking at the opening of the Jakarta International Energy Conference, the president said he was ready to use force to protest the mines. He said that security was vital if investmnent in Indonesia was to be sustained.

In the past few months, gangs have attacked several mines, demanding a greater share of mining revenues or the right to mine illegally within or around the mines.