Minister promises to solve Unocal's case

Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono promised on Friday to address the demands of some people and non-governmental organizations (NGO), including the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi), for the suspension of the operation of American oil and gas company PT Unocal Indonesia in Tanjung Santan, East Kalimantan.

"We are going to talk about it," Bambang said in the East Kalimantan's town of Balikpapan prior to a meeting with the company at the company's new office.

Some people and NGOs have demanded the suspension of Unocal's operation, charging the company with polluting the agricultural fields around its operating area.

The minister said the pollution charges should be supported with accurate evidences and must be handled through a proper procedure.

The meeting between the minister and Unocal was closed to the press but sources said the minister did not only talk about the alleged pollution but also about Unocal's operation and national oil and gas business.

The minister also explained the government's policy and strategy on mines and energy.

Kaltim Post reported aside from Unocal's officials, the meeting was also attended by officials of other production sharing contracts of state oil and gas company Pertamina in East Kalimantan, namely Total Indonesie, Vico and PT Exspan. (*)