Scores of workers block access to Freeport's mine in Papua

By Bambang Atmaja

A number of workers of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) blocked the only access to the firm?s mine and factory at mile 72 in Tembagapura of Papua Province early on Monday, Juli Pararongan, spokesman of PTFI workers union said.

The spokesman told Petromindo.com Monday that over 15 people carried out the action by themselves without prior coordination with the union, and did not have the necessary permit from the authority.

He said that the police immediately came to the same and disbanded the road blockade, and apprehended the demonstrators. He added that the incident did not affect the company?s activities.

The spokesman called all workers to avoid such action and urged them to communicate their aspiration through the right channels and in line with the law.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak