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Protest continues at Caltex, car burned

Source
Indonesian Observer - October 13, 2000

Jakarta – Angry villagers in Riau province yesterday continued to occupy a water treatment plant operated by oil company PT Caltex Pacific Indonesias (CPI). They also blockaded a contractors drilling rig at Kopar region, and held six CPI vehicles, one which they set ablaze.

The villagers did not stop the Rangau Water Treatment Plant from pumping water into the town of Simpang Padang or to CPIs nearby production facilities. The treatment plant is Simpang Padangs only source of clean water. It also functions to prevent the Rangau River from overflowing during the rainy season.

At CPIs Mutiara oil field, everything has returned to normal after a week-long blockade, during which protesters had held 13 vehicles, as well as service rig. Some of the vehicles had been extensively damaged, but Caltex said it was glad the Mutiara blockade had been ended as the company can now negotiate with protesters.

Most of the locals demonstrating against CPI said the company should employ them, rather than outsiders. But the company points out that its workers must have certain skills and qualifications.

Although we are unable to predict the outcome, CPI remains hopeful that discussions will lead to a win-win solution for all parties, the company said in a press release yesterday. CPI is now holding talks with villagers from Malayu and has stressed that a result will only be achieved if there are no more threats and intimidation.

The company is appealing to the remaining protesters at Kopar to cease their unlawful actions, as they are hurting CPIs business, which makes it difficult for community development programs to be conducted at needy villages.

These programs include education, training and job creation projects that serve as an important, although only partial, solution to the high unemployment rate in Riau.

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