16 Papuans receive entrepreneur training

BANDUNG: Sixteen Papuans are attending a training in Sumedang, West Java, which is aimed at enhancing their management and entrepreneurial skills, an official said on Monday.

The two weeks training that starts on Monday is being held in a business incubator in Sumedang, said Stevi Thomas, a staffer with giant mining company PT Freeport Indonesia.

The small scale businessmen were picked from various Papuan tribes and from wide ranging professions such as contractors and entrepreneurs in catering businesses.

The training, which is funded by PT Freeport, is seen necessary as the businessmen have not been exposed to modern management, leading to poor capability in handling businesses.

The company has granted management aid to dozens of Papuan businessmen since 1991, including the 16. The management aid is part of the company's community development program. The program is being fostered by the company amid sharp criticism by non- governmental organizations (NGOs) over the company's environmental record. -- JP