Unspun

If you wonder why the situation in Sidoarjo, the site where mud is spewing uncontrollably because of drilling by Lapindo, consider these gem quotes from Lapindo’s general manager Imam Augustino as cited in The Jakarta Post today:

“We’re (Lapindo is) still capable of handling it. Even if the hot mudflow cannot be totally handled, we are ready to set aside a budget amounting to US$140 million,” Imam told The Jakarta Post.

Does this mean that they are capable of handling it or are they ready to throw in the towel?

and

Also on Tuesday Imam admitted that workers had discharged untreated water from the mud into the Porong River, further spreading the disaster in violation of an order by Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar.

“We’ve stopped the discharge. But those discharging the water were not ‘from’ Lapindo but just in our team. Possibly there was a lack of coordination,” Imam said. The company had earlier denied the allegations.

“Not from Lapindo but just in our team”? Hmmm…definitely a candidate for the Unspun Awards.