14 Oct 2002

Indonesia to tighten security at Freeport after Bali attack

3:50 pm on 14 October 2002

Indonesia will increase the presence of troops at major foreign companies , including the Freeport gold mine in the province of Papua following the bomb blast in Bali.

The Official Antara news agency quotes a top security minister as saying vital sites include Freeport, oil companies and buildings in big cities.

The US- owned Freeport mine and Exxon Mobil's natural gas operation in Aceh are considered by the government as strategic assets.

Both companies are located in regions where separatist rebels are fighting for an independent state.