JAKARTA, 14 February 2007 - The Australian mining company Santos has been named in a Jakarta lawsuit lodged by an Indonesian environmental organisation. As Indonesia correspondent Geoff Thompson reports, since May last year a 'mud volcano' has spewed from the earth submerging villages, factories and fields and displacing thousands in Sidoarjo in East Java.

The Australian mining giant Santos has an 18 per cent stake in the gas exploration project some scientists blame for triggering the disaster, while others argue it was caused by an earthquake. An Indonesian environment group is now suing Santos for the damage caused. "You have to be responsible to clean up all this mess," says WALHI spokesman Torry Kuswardono.

Santos spokesman Chris Bennett says the company is aware of the suit filed against it and 11 others, including Indonesia's president. "But as we have not actually been served with any documents at this time, it's a bit difficult for us to really offer much further comment." The suit has been lodged with the South Jakarta Court.

  08 January 2009 · Papua earthquakes drive thousands into tent camps
  08 January 2009 · Central bank cuts rate by 50 basis point to 8.75%
  07 January 2009 · FPI holds warfare training and recruitment session for Gaza
  06 January 2009 · No embassy in Bandung, demonstration at German cultural institute
  06 January 2009 · One liter of petrol for 50.000 Rupiah in West Timor
  05 January 2009 · Two more aftershocks hit Manokwari
  04 January 2009 · Manokwari airport closed after quakes
  04 January 2009 · 7.8 magnitude quake hits near Manokwari, 25 aftershocks reported
  03 January 2009 · Indonesia to launch stimulus to boost economy
  02 January 2009 · President: 'Indonesia supports Palestinian people's struggle'