'TNI still welcomes Freeport aid'

'TNI still welcomes Freeport aid'

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) would not ask U.S. gold
and copper mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia to provide
financial contributions to its soldiers.

"It's up to Freeport (whether to continue giving the
assistance or not); but we would welcome the good will from
Freeport," TNI Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto told reporters
after a ceremony in the Navy's marine squad on Thursday.

He said the military would continue to protect Freeport
interests with or without their financial assistance because "it
is considered a vital asset".

Endriartono admitted that the military and Freeport had signed
an agreement over food and allowances for soldiers who guarded
Freeport's 2,800-square-kilometer site.

Freeport confirmed that it had paid TNI and police security
contributions totaling US$5.6 million last year. -- JP