TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - At least four residents of Pesanggaran Subdistrict, Banyuwangi, East Java, reportedly have became victims of a shooting during a chaos at a gold mine owned by PT Bumi Suksesindo. The mayhem occurred since Wednesday noon and finally ended at 3am Thursday, Nov. 26.
The chaos occurred after a local resident was unsatisfied of the meeting result between PT Bumi Suksesindo, Banyuwangi Resort Police and the local government at Baru Indah Hotel on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Residents who wished to see the gold mine closed immediately held a protest at PT Bumi office in Merah Island, Sumberagung Village, Pesanggaran Subdistrict.
The protest then led to a mayhem. People started to scorched several motorcycles on fire. A clash between law enforcers and residents was inevitable. At 4pm, one protestor was shot on the ear, then authorities arrested two residents.
“The situation is similar with war,” Achmad told Tempo on Thursday, Nov 26.
The chaos stopped for a while until 8pm, when hundreds of people attacked PT Bumi Suksesindo’s office. Environmental activist Deva Risda, who witnessed the attack, said people started burning heavy equipments, diesel shelter, and several houses used as an office by the mining company.
A clash between residents and law enforcers continued. At least three residents were shot and was rushed to Pesanggaran Health Center. Residents took over PT Bumi’s office until dawn and went back to their homes around 3am Thursday, after the two detained residents were released by the authorities.
Banyuwangi Resort Police have yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
IKA NINGTYAS
