Environment Minister Opposes Freeport Closure
31 May 2013 07:29 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya disagrees with the discourse to shut down PT Freeport Indonesia in Papua. He argued that there are still many people in Papua depending their livelihoods on the US-based mining company.
"There are about 6,000 people who work at Freeport Indonesia," Balthasar said during the 2013 Indonesia Environment Week event, Thursday, May 30. He believed that Freeport has helped the economy of the Papuan people. Moreover, he said that the company has shown an environment-friendly management.
Responding to allegations that Freeport had taken over the land owned by indigenous Papuans, Balthasar says it needs to be substantially proven
"We need to check whether or not the land is sacred," said Balthasar.
According to Balthasar, the size of Freeport's mining area under cultivation by PT Freeport is in accordance to the government's permit. If there is prove that the land is scared, the government will return it into a conservation area.
Earlier, Deputy Chair of the Papua Legislative Council, Jimmy Demianus Ijie, told several media that the tunnel collapse at the Big Gossan is a "sign from nature" that PT Freeport must leave from Papua. According to Jimmy, Freeport's mines have approached areas that are sacred to the indigenous people.
SUNDARI SUDJIANTO