Ruslan Sangadji, Donggala, Central Sulawesi – Hundreds of residents vented their outrage in Balaesang Tanjung district, Donggala regency, Central Sulawesi, on Thursday afternoon over gold mining activities in a 5,000-hectare area.

People destroyed one house and felled trees along a road in the regency, which is located 75 kilometers north of Palu, the province's capital.

According to information The Jakarta Post has gathered at the scene, residents were furious because mining company PT Citra Manunggal Abadi had been carrying out exploration activities without previously informing locals, although it has a mining license for its operations there.

Residents said part of the land, where the company operated, still belonged to them.

The mine was allegedly owned by Donggala Deputy Regent Ali Lasamaulu. Ali could not be reached for confirmation by press time. (mtq)