15 Mar 2003

Freeport McMorrasaid to have given millions to Indonesian military

10:08 am on 15 March 2003

A new report shows that Freeport McMorran, the company which runs the giant copper and gold mine in Indonesia's Papua province, paid about five point six million US dollars to the Indonesian military last year.

The Jakarta Post reports that the money was paid to TNI to ensure the security of Freeport employees.

The paper says the figure is disclosed in a confidential document sent to the New York City comptroller's office and to the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

The TNI has been implicated in widespread abuses in Papua, including the killing of pro-independence leader Theys Eluay.

The company also reported it has paid the TNI four point seven million dollars in 2001.

It says the money covered the costs of housing, fuel, travel and vehicle repairs for the military.

The report to the US bodies follows a resolution by shareholders requesting more information about Freeport's presence in Indonesia because of the allegations of humna rights abuses.