Possible attack anticipated

Possible attack anticipated

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Provincial security authorities
have beefed up security around the compound of giant copper and
gold mining company PT Freeport Indonesia in Timika district
following a threat of an armed attack here on Aug. 1.

Aug. 1 is also the anniversary of the establishment of the
Trikora Military Command overseeing Irian Jaya province.

Both Trikora Military Commander Maj. Gen. Mahidin Simbolon and
Irian Jaya Police chief Insp. Gen. I Made Mangku Pastika stated
on Wednesday their readiness to repel an attack.

Both commanders said that a number of police and military
personnel from the police's Mobile Brigade and Army's Strategic
Reserves Command (Kostrad) along with other security task forces
had been stationed in the Freeport compound.

"PT Freeport is a vital project that is closely related to our
nation's image in the international community. I think the
existing personnel will be enough to secure the area," Made
Mangku said after a handover ceremony of the post of Irian Jaya
naval base commander from Brig. Gen. Yusuf Solichin to Col.
Joseph Sutrasman.

Mimika Military District chief Lt. Col. Jamaluddin separately
said that his office was monitoring security developments in the
regency.

Jamaluddin said that the two areas in Timika that needed close
observation were Banti and Tsinga, where Free Papua Movement
(OPM) gunmen were often spotted. (34/edt)