Freeport’s logo – Jubi
Jayapura, Jubi – A student group in Intan Jaya has rejected plans by PT. Freeport Indonesia to run a subsidiary to operate in Intan Jaya Regency.
“The company is planning to operate in Wabu river area. We reject any attempt to bring a company here,” the Independent Student Community of Somatua (KOMISI) Coordinator of Homeyo Sub-district, Omiel Zagani, told reporters in press conference held at Expo Waena, Jayapura City on Tuesdya (21/7/2015).
The students urged the government to facilitate hearing with relevant parties including the company, local government, customary people and land tenure owners to discuss their concern and expectations.
“We ask for hearing before the government issue the operating permit for the company. The company might be operated but the hearing must be conducted in prior to listen people’s opinion,” said Zagani.
A student Salmon Selegani similarly said he strongly resist the government’s plan except it conducts public hearing involving local community and related parties who have concern to Intan Jaya’s gold.
“Without hearing, we’re afraid Intan Jaya’s people would get same experience as Mimika’s residents becoming object of PT. Freeport Indonesia. Intan Jaya is small region, where would we go?” said Selegani.
Meanwhile, Intan Jaya senior student Rufinus Yapugau said the rejection over the government’s plan is realistic since there are many things have not yet fulfilled, such as local human resources in Intan Jaya are not ready yet to manage their natural resources.
“We strongly reject the company to operate in Intan Jaya. We demand the government to accommodate and prepare the local human resources, thus the native youngsters could manage it. Do not just bring the investors in,” he said.
He further said the students had information that four companies affiliated to PT. Freeport are planning to operate in Intan Jaya Regency, namely PT. Irian Mineral, PT. Indika Energi Minera Tbk, and PT. Maneserve, PT Nusa Jaya.
According to him, these companies would operate after the Provincial and Regional Government negotiated with Central Government to decide Wabu Block as operating area.
“One of PT. Freeport Indonesia’s commitments about contract sustainability with the Indonesian Government is the gold mining operation at Wabu Block,” he said. (Mawel Benny/rom)
