two killed in protest over aussie project, page-7

SBY Instructs Investigation into Bima Incident:

Theindonesiatoday.com - President SBY has instructed national police to investigate the clash in Sape port, Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, which reportedly killed some people.

"President instructs an investigation, whether provocateurs or security officers acted improperly," said Julian Aldrin Pasha, spokesperson of President SBY.

Coordinating minister for politics and security affairs Djoko Suyanto and Police Chief Timur Pradopo have reported the case to President SBY this morning.

National Police claimed three provocateurs and 31 others have been arrested in the incident. Environmental NGO Walhi had earlier claimed three people killed in the clash.

The clash broke out of a protest from local residents against gold mine operation of PT Sumber Mineral Nusantara over a 24,984 hectares. Residents reject mining operation because of its location nearby rice fields and residential area.

Sumber Mineral Nusantara is 95% owned by Arc Exploration Limited, a company listed on ASX controlled by Indonesian businessman George Tahija.

Locals also demanded Bima Regent Ferry Zulkarnaen to revoke mining license of PT Indo MIneral Persada.

Local residents then set a blockade for almost five days since December 19. Police came to the area and dismissed the rally with gunshots Saturday morning. ([email protected])

http://www.theindonesiatoday.com/Latest-News/Latest-News/SBY-Instructs-Investigation-into-Bima-Incident/News



Police Name 47 Suspects in Bima Clash:

Theindonesiatoday.com - West Nusa Tenggara police named 47 suspects in the deadly Bima clash between the local police force and protesters.

Sukarman Husain, head of PR of West Nusa Tenggara police, said two demonstrators were killed in the clash when police sought to clear protesters from the Sape Seaport by force Saturday (Dec 24) morning.

"The suspects are charged with criminal code of instigating, provoking, and organizing rally not in a proper place, with a maximum sentence of six years prison," said Sukarman as quoted by Kompas.com Sunday (Dec 25) afternoon.

Protesters had gathered to demand the Bima regency administration revoke the mining license of PT Sumber Mineral Nusantara, a subsidiary of ASX-listed Arch Exploration Limited. Arch is controlled by Indonesian tycoon George S Tahija.

Their demand was rejected, and that has triggered protesters to wreck and burn down some public facilities in Lambu sub-district, including police office, forestry office, and some houses, whose owners were allegedly supportive of the mining activity. (Indonesia Today)

http://www.theindonesiatoday.com/People/People/Police-Name-47-Suspects-in-Bima-Clash/News