The following points to the scene on the ground in Sulawesi. I...

The following points to the scene on the ground in Sulawesi. I don't mean to scaremonger, but I think it's worth remembering and factoring in the sovereign risk (if that's the approprite term) in dealing in this type of country.

Sengkang is in the Wajo Regency which I believe falls into the South Sulawesi Province. I think skirmishes in recent years have been further north, but as the following suggests the use of Natural Resources is a bit of an issue. Against that, they do want electricity, but perhaps they'll be less than impressed to see bulk LNG being shipped offshore.

South Sulawesi Threatened by Conflicts
Tuesday, 26 January, 2010 | 16:55 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Makassar:It has been revealed that at least 12 regions in the country have potential ethnic conflicts, struggles over natural resources and fights caused by political alignments and corruption.

In South Sulawesi, the seeds of conflict have existed since a long time and have started to grow now.

If they are not anticipated, conflicts like those in Poso, Ambon or Aceh could easily explode.

This concern is being studied by peace activists for three days at Clarion Hotel Makassar from yesterday until tomorrow.

The discussion forum for peace facilitators titled Movement Synergy for a Peaceful Indonesia is being attended followed by 100 participants from within the country and abroad.

Conflicts in South Sulawesi, according to Sofyan Sinte, a peace coordinator from the region, could be triggered by 11 simultaneous regional leaders elections in June.

The conflict embryo exploded last week in Pangkep Regency.

Supporters from two candidate regency leaders clashed.

The local police have named two persons as suspects.

Below are potential conflicts in 12 provinces:

Province Trigger

1. Aceh Natural resources exploitation

2. Lampung Natural resources exploitation

3. West Kalimantan Natural resources exploitation

4. North Sulawesi Natural resources exploitation

5. Central Sulawesi Natural resources exploitation,
conservatism and radicalism, ethnic,
religious, race inter-group issues

6. South Sulawesi Natural resources exploitation,
corruption, political parties
conflict and sectarianism

7. Maluku Natural resources exploitation

8. North Maluku Natural resources exploitation and
corruption

9. East Natural resources exploitation
Nusa Tenggara


10. West Conservatism and radicalism,
Nusa Tenggara ethnic, religious,
race, inter-group issues


11. Papua Natural resources exploitation,
conservatism, radicalism, ethnic,
religious, race, inter-group issues,
political parties conflict,
sectarianism and corruption.

12. West Papua Natural resources exploitation,
conservatism, radicalism, ethnic,
religious, race inter-group issues,
political parties conflict,
sectarianism and corruption


11 Simultaneous Regional Leaders Elections

Gowa Regency

Bulukumba Regency

Selayar Regency

Maros Regency

Pangkep Regency

Barru Regency

Soppeng Regency

Tana Toraja Regency

Toraja Utara Regency