Military stops logging in Timika

Military stops logging in Timika

JAKARTA (JP): The military has ordered PT Kamundan Raya to
stop logging indefinitely for security reasons after 16 of its
employees were kidnapped by separatist rebels last month.

Maj. Gen. Johny Lumintang, chief of the Trikora Military
Command which is in charge of security in Irian Jaya and Maluku,
said yesterday the company would be allowed to resume its
operations when security in Timika had returned to normal.

"We cannot say when the company will be allowed to resume
logging," Lumintang told Antara in Sorong yesterday. He
acknowledged that the order was given because of the kidnapping.

Separatist rebels led by Tadius Yogie took 16 Kamundan Raya
employees captive on Aug. 14. Three are still hostage.

The kidnappers have set three conditions for the release of
the hostages: Cessation of logging in Timika, involvement of
human rights groups in negotiations with the government and the
involvement of Amungme tribal leader Tom Beanal in the talks. The
government has ruled out any negotiations.

The army has created a special team, led by Col. Frans W. de
Wanna, to hunt for the kidnappers in the jungle of Irian Jaya.
The troops are helped by tribal people, who are more accustomed
to the jungle.

Lumintang said that every company which operated in troubled
areas like Timika should have the protection of the Armed Forces
(ABRI).

He did not say whether PT Kamundan Raya, a subsidiary of the
Djajanti Group, had involved the Armed Forces in its security
arrangements.

The employees were kidnapped at night on Aug. 14 at their base
camp, about 60 kilometers north of Timika.

"The Armed Forces leadership has made it clear that any
company refusing to use security officers will be closed down,"
Lumintang said.

PT Hutama Karya, a construction company, had its Merauke
operations closed down after it refused protection from the Armed
Forces, he said.

"The presence of ABRI members is vital, and the regional
military command will not tolerate any company which rejects it,"
Lumintang said. (pan)