TEMPO.CO, Makassar - Hundreds of residents of Harapan and Pasi-Pasi villages in Malili District, East Luwu regency, hold a protest against PT Vale Indonesia on accusations of contaminating the Lampia Sea with oil spills. The residents had even closed down the oil unloading site in Mangkasa Point Harbor.

Muzakkir, one of the residents of Harapan Village said that fishermen got their income decreasing drastically after the sea is contaminated with oil spill. The residents demand the company to be responsible for the spill.

"The environment and our source of living are polluted, if it continues to happen, how can we provide living to our family? We demand the management of PT Vale Indonesia and East Luwu Regency Administration to be responsible," said Mudzakkir early this morning.

According to Mudzakkir, the pollution can be seen from the damages on the coasts in form of oils stink, dark residue that washed ashore, and the darkened waste oil resulted from oil accumulation on the coast.

President Director of PT Vale Indonesia Nico Canter regretted the anarchy actions done by the residents that build an unconducive atmosphere. According to Nico, his company has always opened up for dialogue and discussion regarding the matter.

In his press release, Nico asks the residents to deliver their aspiration without conducting anarchy such as closing down the road or breaking into the company’s facilities.

"We always are open to peacefully discuss the best solution for all parties based on good intention and respect," said Canter.

The case is currently handed over to East Luwu Resort Police Office.

HASWADI