PT AGM apologizes for illegal poles in HST

Barabai, South Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - PT Antang Gunung Meratus (AGM) has apologized to the government and the people of Central Hulu Sungai (HST) for the misappropriation of the Coal Mining Concession Working Agreement (PKP2B) poles installation in three sub-districts of HST.

"We are sorry, we did not previously notify or socialize the installation of poles to the local government and community in Haruyan, Hantakan, and Batang Alai Selatan sub-districts," said 

Yayan as the management of PT AGM on Thursday (16/11) in front of the Regent H Abdul Latif in the coal mining company Office in Banjarbaru.

Responding to the request to remove HST area from PKP2B, PT AGM stated it is ready only if according to the procedure.

"If we get approval and decision from the holder of authority in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources," said Yayan.

The installation of poles is considered illegal, so it was opposed and raises speculation of coal exploitation. This prompted the Regent H. Abdul Latif to come to the PT AGM office to submit the objection documents of the community and the HST District Government to the coal mining plan in HST.

"The Regent even asserted that he will not conduct environmental impact assessment of coal because of the many objections, both from the Central Government, in this case, the Hall of River, the environmental NGOs, farmer groups and other community components," said Secretary of the Environment and Transportation Agency M Yani who accompanied the Regent.

Moreover, according to Yani, Regent has even asked the Provincial Government of South Kalimantan through ESDM Department to be able to remove HST area from PKP2B area held by PT AGM of 4,000 hectares and PT Mantimin Coal Mining (MCM) covering 1,900 hectares.

For the people and regency of HST the rejection of coal and oil palm is a dead price because they agreed to focus on developing sustainable agriculture development.

"Previously we have sent a letter to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to refuse coal mines in HST," he said.