Jakarta, Indonesia - 27 March 2012 - PT Thiess Contractors Indonesia (TCI) is appealing to the local Sangatta community to join the company in condemning the continued standover tactics of the SPKEP Unions at the KPC Coal Mine Project in East Kalimantan.

TCI spokesperson, Supriyanto, Manager Corporate Services, is also appealing to the unions involved to consider the welfare of their own community which is suffering as a result of the selfish and illegal actions of a few.

"On Monday, 26 March 2012, union officials hijacked company buses and light vehicles as part of their tactic to stop our employees from going to work," Supriyanto said.

Local police have detained 16 union officials, including Yanie Maxi and Sumardi, who were identified as leaders of the recent attacks on TCI employees.

Yesterday's disruption is in response to TCI's formal registration of documents of evidence with the Industrial Relations Court Samarinda, East Kalimantan. This is a part of the legal due process of inappropriate industrial action within Indonesia.

The hijacking followed a failed attempt to shut down operations on Saturday, 24 March 2012.

PT Thiess Contractors Indonesia is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our people and is appalled by the continued standover tactics of the SKEP and SBSI Unions.

Over 1,600 employees continue to support TCI operations in Sangatta and the company wishes to thank them and their families for their continued support during this time.

The company is also fully committed to continue delivering best possible results for our client, PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC). TCI has been in Sangatta for over 20 years working on various projects for KPC.

At present, operations are back to normal and production is underway.