Military stops logging in Timika<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The military has ordered PT Kamundan Raya to
\nstop logging indefinitely for security reasons after 16 of its
\nemployees were kidnapped by separatist rebels last month.<\/p>\n
Maj. Gen. Johny Lumintang, chief of the Trikora Military
\nCommand which is in charge of security in Irian Jaya and Maluku,
\nsaid yesterday the company would be allowed to resume its
\noperations when security in Timika had returned to normal.<\/p>\n
\"We cannot say when the company will be allowed to resume
\nlogging,\" Lumintang told Antara in Sorong yesterday. He
\nacknowledged that the order was given because of the kidnapping.<\/p>\n
Separatist rebels led by Tadius Yogie took 16 Kamundan Raya
\nemployees captive on Aug. 14. Three are still hostage.<\/p>\n
The kidnappers have set three conditions for the release of
\nthe hostages: Cessation of logging in Timika, involvement of
\nhuman rights groups in negotiations with the government and the
\ninvolvement of Amungme tribal leader Tom Beanal in the talks. The
\ngovernment has ruled out any negotiations.<\/p>\n
The army has created a special team, led by Col. Frans W. de
\nWanna, to hunt for the kidnappers in the jungle of Irian Jaya.
\nThe troops are helped by tribal people, who are more accustomed
\nto the jungle.<\/p>\n
Lumintang said that every company which operated in troubled
\nareas like Timika should have the protection of the Armed Forces
\n(ABRI).<\/p>\n
He did not say whether PT Kamundan Raya, a subsidiary of the
\nDjajanti Group, had involved the Armed Forces in its security
\narrangements.<\/p>\n
The employees were kidnapped at night on Aug. 14 at their base
\ncamp, about 60 kilometers north of Timika.<\/p>\n
\"The Armed Forces leadership has made it clear that any
\ncompany refusing to use security officers will be closed down,\"
\nLumintang said.<\/p>\n
PT Hutama Karya, a construction company, had its Merauke
\noperations closed down after it refused protection from the Armed
\nForces, he said.<\/p>\n
\"The presence of ABRI members is vital, and the regional
\nmilitary command will not tolerate any company which rejects it,\"
\nLumintang said. (pan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/military-stops-logging-in-timika-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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