Lemasa Supports Freeport Resuming Operation In Papua

Timika, Papua, July 1 (Antara) - The Amungme Tribe Representative Body (Lemasa) said it is not against copper and gold mining company PT Freeport Indonesia resuming operation in Tembagapura, Papua, after the Big Gossan tragedy. Lemasa Executive Director Anton Alomang said here on Monday Lemasa fully supported Freeport to resume operation to allow it to meet its social obligations to the local people. The US mining giant has resumed operation in Tembagapura in the past two weeks after stopping operation for more than a month following the Big Gossan tragedy in which 28 workers were killed in the underground training tunnel in mid May, 2013. "If Freeport was closed, who will be responsible for all the problems such as the damage to the environment," Anton said. There had been call to ban the company to resume operations in Papua. Freeport, however, should cooperate with the government to solve all the problems including giving compensation for the loss of lives in the Big Gossan tragedy, Anton said. "Freeport and the government must take the responsibility for the tragedy . Freeport made its presence here on license from the government," he added. He said he suspected there has been attempt to take advantage of the situation to oust PT Freeport president director Rozik B Soetjipto. "Anyone seeking to replace Rozik, must be able to solve all the problems and fulfill the rights of the traditional community," he said. He said under Rozik B Soetjipto, PT Freeport had developed good relations and cooperation with Lemasa. He said Lemasa is against attempts to replace Rozik.