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)