Officials and Citizens of Papua Reject Built Smelter in Gresik

                                                                 Where PT. Freeport operates in Papua. Photo List                                                         

Jakarta, Jubi  - Papuan officials and community leaders balked at the plan development in Papua mining smelter built in Gresik, East Java.

Rejection is delivered partly by the Governor of Papua, Luke Enembe, Chairman of the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP), chairman of the parliament, and a member of Parliament from the constituency of Papua Tony Ward, in the MPR / DPR / DPD, Jakarta, Friday (23/1 ).

Governor of Papua Luke Enembe explain the natural wealth in Papua should be processed in Papua as well, rather than in other areas. During this time, he said, the Papuan people live in poverty as a result of PT Freeport Indonesia mine processed abroad the United States. 

"Currently, PT Freeport will build a smelter for processing of mining in Papua, in Gresik, East Java, therefore we reject it," he said.

Luke explains, the construction of the smelter processing facility to clean the mining of innate material will spend a budget of Rp 7 trillion, while the Papuan people only get funding for (DBH) of about 300 billion.

According to Luke, foreign investment in Indonesia, especially in Papua, should consider the aspect of justice, welfare, and prosperity of the local people. 

"We represent the people of Papua requested PT Freeport justice and welfare of the people of Papua," he said.

Luke explains, mining results exploited by PT Freeport in Papua since 1967 such as, gold, copper, iron ore, etc., but does not improve the welfare of the people of Papua.

The indigenous people around the mine, he said, is also still poor because of relatively not involved in mining activities and environmental damage.
"We urge Freeport to comply with the rules and regulations that do mineral processing at the mine site in Papua," he said. (tabloidjbui.com/ The Daily Papua)

Telius Yikwa