Papuan tribe demands revision of nickel contracts

Kawei people, an ethnic group in the West Papua province, called on the provincial government to ?review? the nickel mining contracts given to PT Anugrah Surya Pratama (ASP)/Anugrah Surya Indotama and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, Kompas reported on Monday.

The tribe said the concessions awarded to both companies cover lands that are part of their customary territory and the contracts had been awarded to both companies without prior consultations with them as the traditional owner of the lands.

The concessions are located in Raja Ampat regency, which has been growingly popular for international tourists seeking underwater adventure.

One of the tribe?s leaders, Markus Ayello, said the Law No. 21/2001 on Papua Autonomy acknowledged the tribal rights over their lands and allowed the tribes to participate in the management of their natural resources.

He also called for a review of the environmental impact analysis study (Amdal) that had been made by ASP.

According to the University of Papua?s Center of Environmental Research the Kawei nickel mines can last 22 years but the mining activities would cause damage on the coral reefs around the island.

Kawei Sejahtera Mining is owned by a member of Papua council, but the newspaper did not specify the owner(s) of the other company. (*)