The demonstrators who came from a number of environmental organizations staged the rally to urge the governor to revoke 120 mining permits and close mining areas in the province.
They forced themselves into the compound of the governor`s office after they had earlier been denied entry.
A number of security guards tried to hold the iron door of the entrance but to no avail. As a result, the door was damaged on its central part.
The demonstrators later went to the terrace of the governor`s office where they held an oration and unfurled a banner demanding the closure of the mining areas.
The demonstrators later clashed with police personnel as they forced themselves into the governor`s office. The clash did not last long after both demonstrators and police officers calmed down their colleagues involved in the clash.
In his oration, Robi, the rally`s coordinator, criticized the governor for issuing the mining permits which he said would give rise to conflicts in the community.
"The presence of mining companies in Aceh has caused misery to the local people rather than improving their welfare. As a matter of fact, many of them have contributed nothing to the region," he said.
(T.KR-HSA/S012/HAJM/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
