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)