The people thronged the street around the roundabout since around 9 a.m. local time and brought along an Indonesian flag and pamphlets bearing messages in support of the government.
Tanzil Azharie, the coordinator of the movement, stated that the peaceful demonstration was held as a mark of support to the government for its efforts in handling the complex situation involving Freeport Indonesia and the local government.
The demonstrators also voiced eight points of action regarding the issue, including urging Freeport Indonesia to abide by the rules in Indonesia, especially Law Number 4 of 2009 and Government Regulation Number 1 of 2017 that necessitates the company to change its status into a Special Mining Permit and divesting as much as 51 percent of its shares.
The masses also urged Freeport to build a smelter and pay water tax worth Rp3.5 trillion to the Papua government.
Another demand made was that Freeport should give greater attention to the seven tribes in the Mimika Sub-district where the mine is located. Freeport should also take responsibility of the generated waste that has lead to environmental damage.
They also demanded that Freeport should be held accountable for its selfish acts when it fired its employees without giving prior notice.
The masses took to the street for around two hours until around 11 a.m. local time. The activity proceeded peacefully, with around 20 police personnel guarding the masses.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
