TNI ready to safeguard Freeport from possible security threats

The commander of Sorong regency military command, Col. M.R. Saragih visited gold and copper mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia's mining sites at Timika, Irian Jaya, on Saturday, Kompas reported on Tuesday (May 1).

During the visit, Saragih expressed the readiness of the local Indonesian Military command to safeguard Freeport's mining facilities in Timika areas from possible security threats, especially from Free Papua Organization (OPM) that is fighting for an independent West Papua or Irian Jaya.

Nevertheless, Saragih asked Freeport to abide by rules by respecting the rights of local people and meeting its promise of handing over one percent royalty to Irianese.

Meanwhile, Freeport spokesman Mindo Pangaribuan said that the company would pay the one percent royalty to the Institute for the Development of Irian Jaya People (LPMI), that would later channel the funds to various programs designed for the Irianese. (*)