House wants Freeport's Tunnel Construction Audited
23 May 2013 14:35 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Priyo Budi Santoso, Deputy Chair of the House of Representatives (DPR), asked the management of PT Freeport Indonesia to recheck all of its tunnels used for mining activities. The tunnels, located deep below ground level, Priyo said, must be monitored heavily.
"Tunnels and holes located 250 kilometers below the earth surface need double-checking for safety aspects," Priyo said in the Parliament Complex in Senayan, after receiving Freeport Indonesia's President Director, Rozik B Soetjipto, Wednesday, May 22. Rozik came with Freeport's President and CEO Richard C. Adkerson.
The DPR, Priyo said, will oversee the re-evaluation process and conduct a second audit over mine safety performed by Freeport. The DPR also will monitor the results of an independent investigation team formed by the government to determine the cause of the tunnel collapse.
Priyo said there are possibilities that the incident was caused by corporate negligence. But he ensured that the House will not speculate and wait for the results of the official inquiry.
Rozik said that, as recommended by the DPR, Freeport will review all of its underground mining facilities to ensure that their tunnels are safe.
The company had ceased all production activities. "We take full accountability in handling this case," Priyo said.
IRA GUSLINA SUFA
