Gedung Agung, Lahat Regency, KOTABARI.COM – The persistent problem of coal dust continues to haunt the local residents, especially those living in close proximity to coal mining activities and stockpiles. This concern is acutely felt by dozens of residents from Kampung 1 in Gedung Agung, Merapi Timur Subdistrict, Lahat Regency. In response, they have intentionally erected tents as a form of vigilance right at the entrance to one of the coal mining company’s facilities.
Recently, it has come to light that the emotions of the residents in Kampung 1, Gedung Agung, Merapi Timur Subdistrict, Lahat Regency, have escalated further due to the presence of coal stockpiles located dangerously close to their residential areas. “That’s correct, if I’m not mistaken, the distance is approximately 200 meters from the houses. Therefore, these activities are suspected of violating applicable regulations,” disclosed a source identified as FB on Saturday (2/8/2023).
To clarify, FB continued, the residents have been staging demonstrations for a week now. All of this is attributed to the company’s activities, which have placed coal reserves perilously close to the homes in Kampung 1, Gedung Agung, Merapi Timur Subdistrict, Lahat Regency. “Until now, we haven’t had any issues with it. However, what the residents demand is that the coal stockpile belonging to one of the coal companies is too close, leading to suspicions of contamination in some wells,” he elaborated.
Not only that, FB claimed that the contamination of wells has adversely affected their children, who have contracted vomiting and diarrhea (Muntaber) after consuming water from the wells contaminated by coal. “Therefore, as a community, we are demanding justice as well as compensation amounting to Rp. 150 million for hundreds of families (KK). However, the company has not yet agreed to it,” FB emphasized.
As a result, the source continued, the residents will persist beneath the existing tents until the company fulfills their demands. This situation is seen as a violation of regulations and a health hazard for the population due to coal dust originating from the nearby stockpile.
“There have been meetings and mediations, but a consensus has not been reached. Therefore, the residents have constructed tents to stand guard at the entrance to the mining mouth,” he added. Observations on the ground show that the residents of Kampung 1 in Gedung Agung, Merapi Timur Subdistrict, Lahat Regency, have occupied and maintained a vigil at the entrance to the coal mine for nearly a week by setting up tents, all in an effort to halt the activities of the coal company.
Meanwhile, Aria Pulun SE, the Subdistrict Head of Merapi Timur in Lahat Regency, confirmed that they, together with local officials and residents, have discussed this issue. “From these meetings, no clear agreement has been reached regarding compensation. The residents are insisting on Rp. 150 million per month,” said Aria Pulun.
Initially, during the meeting, Aria Pulun continued, the company offered only Rp. 10 million, which was later raised to Rp. 20 million. However, this offer was rejected by the residents, who remained dissatisfied with the company’s proposal. “Meetings have taken place between the residents and the coal company, but a resolution has not been found. Therefore, we will arrange for both parties to meet again to hopefully find a solution and reach an agreement,” Pulun concluded.