Freeport condemns security incident in Timika

Petromindo|Thomas

Gold and copper giant PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) condemned the unlawful actions done by a mob who blocked the main access to the company?s working areas at Checkpoint 28 and Gorong-gorong Bus Terminal in Timika, Papua Province, burning vehicles and buildings until being brought under control by apparatus around 11 p.m. Saturday.

The incident took place during a demonstration by hundreds of former PTFI workers, local media reported.

?We are extending our support and appreciation to the local apparatus for their prompt response in restoring security control over the situation yesterday,? PTFI Vice President Corporate Communication Riza Pratama said in a statement on Sunday.

The company said that cleanup work at Checkpoint 28 and Gorong-gorong started early Sunday. The Main Supply Route also has been cleared, and bus and cargo convoys will resume on a limited basis Monday.

The actions began around 2 p.m Saturday when the perpetrators seized and burned the Checkpoint, Gorong-Gorong and set fire to company?s equipment and properties as well as employees? personal motorcycles. Other locations and property in Timika also sustained damage. During the actions, at least four contractors suffered minor injuries and were taken to the company medical clinic for treatment, the company said.

?The security and safety of our employees are our main priority. We have asked all employees to avoid traveling to the area until further notice and exercise caution while in Timika,? the company said.

Meanwhile, Papua Police Chief Boy Rafli Amar was quoted as saying Sunday by kompas.com that 14 former PTFI workers have been detained for questioning. He added that three have been named as suspects in relation to the incident.

PTFI said in a July statement that it had suffered high level of workers absenteeism since mid-April as they declined to come to work and instead participated in illegal strike, affecting company production activities. The company said it has been forced to dismiss the workers in accordance with the existing regulations.

Last week, a PTFI convoy on its way to the Tembagapura mine site was shot by unidentified gunmen. No fatalities were reported, but the company has been forced to suspend the convoy.

The heightened security condition at PTFI operations comes amid ongoing negotiations with the government over the company?s future mining operations in Papua.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak