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ahat regency in South Sumatra spans 6,618.27 square kilometers, encompasses 19 districts and covers 528 subdistricts and villages. It is inhabited by 371,693 people (based on 2008 data), consisting of several native communities from the Lematang, Kikim, Pasemah and Lintang tribes, and newcomers from Java, Sulawesi and other provinces in Sumatra.

Most people living in rural areas seek a living by growing coffee, rubber and farming, while those living in urban areas work as civil servants and employees in the private and trade sectors.

Lahat, which commemorated its 140th anniversary on May 20, borders Muara Enim and Musi Rawas regencies in the north, Muara Enim, Rejang Lebong regencies and Bengkulu province in the east and Pagar Alam municipality and South Bengkulu regency in Bengkulu in the south.

In general, the soil condition and natural resources in Lahat are quite fertile and have great potential for agricultural purposes, such as food crops, plantations, forestry, mining and tourism.

According to Lahat Regent Saifudin Aswari Riva'i, among the potential sectors in the regency, coal mining has become the prime investment in the past several years.

"Currently, at least 10 mining concessions, four mining survey companies and 43 coal exploration companies are available in Lahat. We target a coal output of at least 8.53 million tons, a marked increased from last year's 2.86 million tons," said Saifudin at his residence in Lahat recently.

Based on data at the Lahat Mining Office, coal reserves are found in a number of locations, such as in Lubuk Tuba at a volume of 4.14 million tons, Muara Cawang (6.54 million tons), Sungai Berau (11.49 million tons), all in the initial analysis stage, and in Tanjung Baru at a volume of 6.21 million tons in initial exploration.

Other mining potentials include limestone, granite, marble, sandstone, pumice and clay, while the agriculture and plantation sectors include cash crops and horticul-ture, and from coffee, rubber, oil palm, pepper, candlenut, clove, coconut, cinnamon and teakwood, to natural silk.

According to Saifudin, his administration has made concerted efforts to provide facilities to investors, such as a one-gate licensing service and reducing various fees that have so far burdened them.

"For investors who wish to explore coal mining here, they should be able to build and provide infrastructure, such as access to the mining sites.

"We expect the natural resources could empower the community and improve their well being," said Saifudin, who has turned his once sacred office into an open place for discussions and for members of the public to air their aspirations.

Besides its mining and agricultural sectors, Lahat is also home to many natural tourist sites, such as remnants of the megalithic era, waterfalls, caves, rivers and hot springs. The megalithic complex is believed to be the largest in the country and third largest in the world after Egypt and England.

Saifudin, who has led the regency for the past four months, has announced changes for the better in every sector.

Apart from accelerating development by capitalizing on its natural wealth, alongside Vice Regent Sukadi Duadji, Saifudin has announced various development programs that are in favor of the people, such as building proper homes, providing bereavement donations and free legal aid for the less privileged, outside the free education and healthcare provided by the provincial administration.