NO one knew that the Meru Betiri National Park in East Java contained gold deposits until two companies—PT Jember Metal and PT Banyuwangi Minerals—applied in mid-2000 for a license to mine the precious metal.

In its application letter PT Jember Metal plan requested for control of 35,000 hectares and PT Banyuwangi Minerals for 150,000 hectares of the area, located mostly within the Meru Betiri National Park, Watangan Nature Reser