Official denies taking bribe

SEMARANG, Central Java: The National Commission on Human Rights denies allegations that it took a bribe from copper giant PT Freeport when it was investigating alleged human rights violations in Irian Jaya last September.

"We did use Freeport's helicopter and facilities during our investigation in Timika, but we intend to pay for this, even though Freeport has not asked us to do so," Muladi, a commission member, told visiting Irian Jaya students here last week.

Muladi, who is also rector of Diponegoro University, said that the commission will have to pay PT Freeport between Rp 50 million (US$21,891) and Rp 100 million for the use of the helicopter.

Non-governmental organizations claim PT Freeport may have links to the alleged killings of 16 civilians by Indonesian troops.

The commission said 11 bodies were found outside the mining project area and another five inside.

Troops safeguard the company's plants in Timika. (har/imn)