"We ask them to respect the deceased and his family."Timika, Papua (ANTARA News) - Security in Kuala Kencana city has been brought under control following an attack by a group of people on the office of PT Freeport Indonesia, company spokesman Ramdani Sirait said.
He told ANTARA News here on Saturday that the company condemned an incident that occurred during a prayer service for the late David Beanal, one of the company staff members.
"We deplore those who disrupted the prayer service. We ask them to respect the deceased and his family. We will continue helping the bereaved family during the difficult times and assure their safety, as well as the safety of employees," he said.
He said that due to the disturbance on Friday, windows at PT Freeport`s office in Kuala Kencana had been broken.
The mob also set fire to two cars, while damaging one hundred motorcycles and cars, though no one was hurt in the incident.
Security personnel continue standing guard to maintain security around PT Freeport`s office in Kuala Kencana.
David Beanal Kanongopme worked at PT Freeport since 1992. His last position was manager of the Papuan Affairs Department.
Ramdani said David Beanal was a respected and revered manager who kept fighting for the benefit of Papuan employees.
He died on Tuesday (Sept 18) following a long illness at Bintaro International Hospital in Tangerang, Banten, in West Java.
His body was flown to Timika, Papua on Wednesday. He is survived by a wife, son and daughter.
"PT Freeport mourns his death and offered prayers to his family so that they remain strong during these difficult times," he said.
Ramdani said the incident on Friday happened when a prayer service was held at the multi-purpose hall.
During the service several people claiming to be representatives of the local community conveyed three demands to the company. Their first demand was that the company provide positions in the Papuan Affairs Department and the Papuan Community Development Department to employees from seven tribes. Secondly, they asked PT Freeport to immediately promote all employees from seven tribes to one employment level higher.
The crowds supported their demands and began throwing stones at PT Freeport`s office and set on fire vehicles in the parking lot.
David Beanal was buried at the cemetery for Amungme tribal leaders near Mozes Kilangin airport in Timika on Saturday. Hundreds of Amungme tribal members attended his burial. It was also attended by Papua regional command deputy chief Brigadier General Paulus Waterpauw and other local military and police leaders in Mimika.
(T.E015/Uu.H-YH/INE/KR-BSR)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
