Theys calls on Freeport to stop its cooperation with Jakarta

The chairman of the Papuan People Congress, Theys Eluay, calls on Jakarta to stop its intervention into copper and gold mining firm PT Freeport Indonesia in West Papua, which is officially called Irian Jaya,

"I want the Indonesian government to stop its intervention in the Freeport mining. They, the central and local governments, must stop talking under the name of Papuans," Theys said in an interview with Reuters.

Theys, who declared separation of West Papua from Indonesia earlier this month, called on all foreign companies operating in West Papua to stop their cooperation with Jakarta, and start building cooperation with locals.

Theys, a former member of the Irian Jaya provincial legislature, called on all foreign companies to stop signing contracts with Jakarta, and start negotiating contracts with the Papuan Presidium, which he also chairs.

"They must negotiate with the Papuans through this presidium. The Papuans are the legal owner. So, don't make a deal with Indonesia," he said on Wednesday.

"Why Jakarta that has to sign the contract? Does Jakarta own the land? Jakarta only wants to rob Papuan's wealth," he said. "We have never become part of Indonesia. Now I ask Indonesia ... When Indonesia return the freedom to Papuans... When our rights be restored," he said.

Theys and other pro-independent fighters considered that West Papua had got its independence from the Netherlands in 1961. But later, in 1963, the Netherlands handed over the territory to Indonesia, and Indonesia's rule over the territory was confirmed by the United Nations in 1969.

Meanwhile, Theys has been summoned by the Irian Jaya police for questioning because of declaring independence for Irian Jaya. He is likely to be named a suspect for treason, which could carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. (*)