Wednesday, March 02, 2005

West Java, Indonesia - 17 people received jail sentances for attempting to burn down the Bojong waste processing plant and using sticks and rocks to smash buildings and vehicles. The incident occurred during a protest at the plant, which is known to be hazardous to people's health and the environment. Private guards defended the dump with teargas and live ammunition. At least five people were shot and wounded, and another 37 were beaten and detained. Local legislators recommended the temporary closure of the plant, but Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso vowed not give in to the actions of “anarchists”. About 143 villagers in the province were killed last month when a landslide at a rubbish dump buried their houses in dark mud and toxic waste.