Yemris Fointuna, Kupang – East Sumba residents have asked the local government revoke PT Fathi Resources' gold mining permit, claiming the company's mining exploitation is threatening the regency's ecosystem and people's access to safe water for household needs.

The protesters, made up of community figures, housewives, youth, students and environmentalists, staged a rally in front of the regency administration office on Sunday.

They urged Regent Gidion Mbilijora and East Nusa Tenggara Governor Frans Lebu Raya stop the mining activities and threatened to take the law into their own hands if the authority failed to heed their demand.

"We have given the provincial administration and the company a week to cease activities. If our demands are not met, we will continue to occupy the regency office," said rally spokesman Yohanes Hamaduna in Waingapu on Monday.

The protesters threatened to forcefully stop all activities carried out by PT Fathi Resources, which began mining operations early this year.

They said they were concerned that the mine's operations, located in the Laiwanggi Wanggameti National Park in Pinu Pahar district, East Sumba regency, would damage the ecosystem and the surrounding areas' water catchments.

"The forested area would be further damaged in a month's time if mining activities continue," said Yohanes.

The protesters opted to stay at the regency office after Gidion refused to meet them for a dialogue.

Separately, Gidion said he had asked the protesters to convey their aspirations peacefully without having to stay the night at the office. He promised he would revise the mining permit if he found irregularities. Critics say the protest was politically motivated ahead of the upcoming regency election, in which Gidion is expected to one of the most popular choices.

The protesters threatened to forcefully stop all activities carried out by PT Fathi Resources.