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