Conflict With Mining Activities In Palu, Komnas HAM Asked PT Citra Palu Mineral-People To Sit Together

The chairman of Komnas HAM Representative for Central Sulawesi, Dedi Askari, chaired a limited meeting/Via ANTARA

PALU - The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) Representative of Central Sulawesi stated that the resolution of conflicts in gold mining activities in the mining area of Poboya Village, Palu City, between the community and PT Citra Palu Mineral as a management company, must be carried out wisely. "The company (PT Citra Palu Mineral/CPM) and the local community must sit together so as not to cause tension as before," said Head of Komnas HAM Representative for Central Sulawesi Dedi Askari in Palu City, Antara, Thursday, September 29. The settlement of the gold mining issue must also present local governments and other related parties so that the conducive situation is maintained. In addition, settlements need to prioritize human rights. Dedi said Komnas HAM also plays a role in maintaining this conducive situation, as mandated by the state, including carrying out studies, research, counseling, monitoring, and human rights mediation. On this basis, his party has held a limited meeting on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, by presenting the gold mining management company, community leaders and local traditional institutions. "We have listened to input and suggestions from both parties until all agreed to take follow-up steps as a solution," said Dedi. In order to avoid tensions in solving these problems, Komnas HAM asked the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government as the extension of the central government to immediately take steps that are considered important and strategic and comprehensive by inviting a number of interested parties who have exclusive authority to produce a joint commitment to solving the gold mining problem. In the Poboya gold mining area, apart from PT CPM as the official management company for the work contract holder, the local community also depends on the mining activities. From the meeting held by Komnas HAM with PT CPM and the community, an agreement was made, including the two parties maintaining harmonious communication with each claimed area. Regarding the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government's proposal to ask PT CPM to reduce their concession land covering an area of 25 hectares for people's mines, the Poboya customary institution is advised to apply for areas that will be managed by concession holders and then PT CPM will apply for areas given to the community through the company's internal mechanism. "Both parties will also build communication related to meeting the short-term needs of the people's mine by building an agreement," said Dedi. He added that if an agreement was built between the two parties, it would be better to first communicate with the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government and Komnas HAM before making a decision regarding the management of gold mines. "This is also intended to encourage efforts to fulfill, promote and enforce human rights and to ensure the government's presence in the midst of various current problems," added Dedi.