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tate mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) is suing the regent of North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi, for issuing decrees authorizing two private companies to continue mining nickel in Antam’s concession.

Antam’s attorney, Todung Mulya Lubis, said on Wednesday that his clients filed a lawsuit at the Kendari Administrative Court (PTUN) on Aug. 25 against former interim North Konawe regent Anwar Sulaiman, who issued the decrees.

Todung’s colleague Ahmad Irfan Arifin said that the court had scheduled a session to hear testimony from the former regent and representatives of the private companies.

According to Antam, the decrees, issued on May 11, allowed PT Duta Inti Perkasa Mineral (DIPM) and PT Sriwijaya Raya (SR) to conduct mining activities after obtaining their mining licenses (IUP).

“The regent has confirmed attendance at the hearing. DIPM’s representatives will be present as well. We have yet to get confirmation from SR,” Ahmad said. Antam received a license from the regency to mine in Tapunopaka and Bahubulu Island in Konawe. The contract lasts for 23 years ending on May 6, 2028.

In 2010, decree No. 6/2010 was issued to annul decree No. 267/2007 for DIPM. On Jan. 11, 2010, decree No. 78/2010 annulled decree No. 3400/2009 in favor of SR.

In 2007, North Konawe regency was formed with Law No. 13/2007. Antam’s IUP was replaced by decree No. 15/2010 issued on Jan. 11, allowing Antam to reoccupy areas controlled by DIPM, valid until Jan. 11, 2030. Antam reoccupied SR’s area under decree No. 158/2010 issued on April 29, 2010, valid until April 29, 2030.

Todung said that decrees allowed DIPM to occupy 2,000 hectares of Antam’s 6,213-hectare area in Lasolo and Molawe regions and SR to occupy 218.7 hectares in Antam’s 16,920-hectare area in Mandiodo, Lalindu and Lasolo regions.

Ahmad said that due to DIPM’s reoccupation, Antam has lost nickel productivity in 2010 up to 82.3 wet metric tons. For SR’s reoccupation, Antam’s losses have not yet been calculated. (fem)