Coal and oil palm tempting, but we're not tempted

Barabai, (AntaraNews Kalimantan) - Thus the statement of Regent Central Hulu Sungai (HST) H Abdul Latif during an interview with a representative of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) South Kalimantan here on, Tuesday (28 / 02).

He was accompanied by Vice Regent HA Chairansyah, Acting Secretary of HST H Akhmad Tamzil and Chief Police AKBP Mugi Sekar Jaya. 

According to H Abdul Latif, with the current economic conditions he thought of meeting the district finance need, but not in the form of coal mining and oil palm plantations.

"We are consistent and remain committed will not explore coal mining and oil palm plantations in this beloved Murakata (nickname of HST), and we are ready to resign from office if we violate that commitment," he said.

Asked why by representative of Walhi South Kalimantan Budi Setiawan, Regent said that exploting wealth of natural resources will only be enjoyed by a few people, the entrepreneurs only, while the public get nothing. Even explored areas virtually has no potential to produce anything. Please see other districts.

"We ask Walhi South Kalimantan convey this commitment to both the provincial and national, that there is one of the districts in Kalimantan who is potential even coal is abundant but not tempted to exploit," he said.

"One proverb says "let other areas mining and oil palm plantations, but they we will buy rice and other crops on Murakata, which money ultimately for HST community," Latif added.