Clashes With Residents, Nickel Mining In South Konawe Temporarily Stopped

The South Konawe Police visited PT WIN's activity lokation in Torobulu Village, Laeya District, South Konawe Regency. (Between/La Ode Muh Deden Saputra)

SULTRA - Police have suppressed mining conflicts between the community and PT Wijaya Inti Nusantara (WIN) in Torobulu Village, Laeya District, South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra).

South Konawe Police Chief AKBP Wisnu Wibowo said the conflict had gone viral on various social media and drew public attention.

"We have taken several steps to reduce the conflict," said Wisnu when contacted on Friday, September 29, as reported by Antara.

He revealed that his party had temporarily suspended the activities of nickel mining activities carried out by PT WIN located near the settlements of residents of Torobulu Village.

"This step is taken to avoid further escalation of conflict and provide time for related parties to find a solution that can be accepted by all parties," he said.

In addition, he continued, the South Konawe Police routinely conduct patrols at locations where conflicts occur between the community and PT WIN companies, as well as giving an appeal to the public and companies to remain calm.

"We ask not to take provocative actions and maintain order," he said.

Wisnu explained that his party would mediate between the company PT WIN and the people of Torobulu Village who were involved in the conflict to find a way out of the problem by inviting the Head of Torobulu Village, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Mining Inspector (ESDM), and the South Konawe Regency Environment Agency.

"This mediation meeting is expected to create a constructive dialogue forum between the local community and the PT WIN company," he said.

He said this step was taken as an effort to achieve a fair and sustainable solution related to nickel mining conflicts in Torobulu Village.