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Angry locals occupy airport in Anambas
Hundreds of villagers in Anambas regency in Riau occupied Palmatak airport, which is operated by US oil and gas giant ConocoPhillips, on Thursday, protesting the termination of the companyâs contracts with local workers
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undreds of villagers in Anambas regency in Riau occupied Palmatak airport, which is operated by US oil and gas giant ConocoPhillips, on Thursday, protesting the termination of the company's contracts with local workers.
The occupation began on Thursday morning, with the protestors also blockading two parked aircrafts belonging to Pelita Air Service.
Riau Police Mobile Brigade commander Comr. Tory Kristian said the police had deployed two company-level units (SSK) to secure Palmatak airport. 'The personnel are now still at Hang Nadim airport [in Batam],' he said.
Anambas village leader Abdul Hayan said the airport occupation would continue until their demands were met. 'We have tried everything to get ConocoPhilips to listen to our protest.'
The airport occupation was the final step of protests against the lay-off of 17 local contract workers on May 1 because of retrenchment, Abdul said.
'However, [the company] is able to recruit workers from outside Anambas,' Abdul said.
ConocoPhillips spokesperson, Diarmila Sutedja, said the termination of working contracts of the 17 workers was for operational reasons and had been in accordance with the law.
'We urge demonstrators to convey their demands through dialogue. This incident could affect national oil and gas production targets and cause [financial] losses for Anambas, Riau and the country,' Diarmila said.(+++)
