Andaro's increase of production not welcomed

Legislator Priyo Budi Santoso expressed concerns over PT Andaro's increasing coal output from 7 million tons a year to 15 million tons that was not reported to the government, Neraca reported on Monday.

Priyo also said that the increase would also affect the life of people in the surrounding areas, because the early closure of Andaro's operation would reduce its community development commitment.

He called on the government to take stern actions against Andaro, which boosted its production without its approval.

Earlier, the inspector general at the Ministry of Mines and Energy reported that Andaro had doubled its output without the government's consent to meet contractual commitment with its buyers.

Andaro's soaring coal production could endanger the environment, and also disappoint local people, whose life relies much on Andaro, the inspector general said. (*)