After the Irian riots

After the Irian riots

While the hostage taking drama continues, Irian Jaya has once again came into the spotlight because of the riots at Tembagapura and Timika.

The uncontrolled rioting forced the Armed Forces commander to dispatch a battalion of the strategic command's swift reaction troops to the site. Order was gradually restored and the inhabitants' fears placated.

Now that the riots are over, it seems all involved parties should reflect on their presence in Tembagapura, including Freeport Indonesia which last year became involved in a lawsuit filed by a non-governmental organization for dumping waste materials into a river.

While on a visit to Freeport Tembagapura in December last year, President Soeharto remarked that if a company is opposed by indigenous populations problems are likely to occur which could hamper operations.

Now is the time for Freeport Indonesia to discuss the more reasonable of the demands made by the Amungme tribespeople. Social development is an inseparable part of any company's duty, and this is especially true for a multinational company like Freeport.

-- Suara Karya, Jakarta