Freeport's commitment

Thank you for helping clearup the latest false rumor that has swept through the Timika-Tembagapura area (Irian tribal leader not abducted, July 23, 1996). Father Nato Gobay obviously knows how dangerous a rumor like this can be and he should be commended for his quick reaction to dispel this deception.

I was disappointed to see that The Jakarta Post has yet to correctly describe the scope and substance of the government's Integrated Timika Development program (ITD).

The government-run ITD program will receive 1 percent of Freeport's revenue each year, as well as contributions from other companies operating in the area which are paid to the ITD on a quarterly basis. This is specifically what the local people requested in the period immediately following the disturbances in March. Freeport made a commitment to the local people, responding directly to their wishes, and we have kept that promise.

Separate and distinct from the 1 percent commitment to the government's ITD program is our additional commitment of shares in PT Freeport Indonesia for the Amungme and Komoro tribes, the original inhabitants of the area around the mine. The shares, which will enable tribal leaders to participate and vote in shareholders' meetings, will generate roughly US$500,000 in revenue each year which the Komoro and Amungme people may use anyway they want.

Most importantly, however, is the fact that in no way, shape or form have any of the tribes in the area rejected the ITD program, although it is true that some individuals have objected for their own personal reasons. Indeed, your article should have pointed out that the Komoro tribe set up Lemasko and several Amungme elders set up a new foundation called Amungkal specifically to enable the tribes to participate in the ITD Program. The other five tribes in the area are yet to set up legal entities to administer the funds, pursuant to the strictures of the ITD, but are reported to be in the process of doing so.

As for the "3,000 people protesting" in Timika recently, the number, according to our sources, indicates that perhaps several hundred people were present in what has been described to us as a conversation moderated by a local government official, not a protest. The number 3,000 has been circulated by Martin Regan, Tom Beanal's lawyer, in a press release issued from New Orleans. It is important to remember that Mr. Regan was found guilty by a Federal Judge for obstruction and "misrepresentations" to the court, and he was sanctioned accordingly.

The people gathered in reaction to several prominent Amungme leaders who stepped forward to enable the Amungme people to participate in the ITD program. The people were directed to the homes of the leaders, however, by certain politically motivated individuals in a flagrant attempt to intimidate and harass anyone participating in the program.

The government-sponsored ITD program is an attempt to involve the local people in more of the decisions that will affect development of the Timika and Tembagapura area. The ITD is, in fact, the most comprehensive attempt to date to improve the lives of the local people.

ED PRESSMAN

Manager, Public Affairs

Jakarta