Freeport workers while hold the demonstration (Jubi)
Timika, 20/2 (Jubi) – Thousands of workers at PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) held a peaceful demonstration outside the Regional Representatives Council ( DPRD) in Mimika onThursday (2/20) against the 25-percent export tax for concentrates.
The Mining Law No. 4 of 2009 is threatening the livelihood of workers,” said Hengki Binur, head of the local the Chemical, Energy and Mining Workers Association under Indonesia Workers Union (SP KEP SPSI) in Mimika regency.
The protesters urged the minister of finance to the export tax, which is part of the implementation of the Mining Law, saying it is a burden to the company.
Deputy Chairman of Papua Brotherhood Simon Morin stated that the current mine production have begun to decrease due to the high tax.
If the situation does not change, the company must cut the number employees and this will have a great impact on the economy of Mimika regency, he said.
“The government must consider the future of 30,000 workers. They are not just a number, but people who desperately need employment to support their families,“ he said.
Earlier, the workers had planned to hold rallies in several places, but police confined them to the DPRD building.
Hundreds security personnel stood guard but did not try to intervene. (Jubi / Eveerth/ Tina)
