Drivers working for the US- based mining giant Freeport McMoran have demanded a security guarantee in the wake of a series of shootings on convoys carrying staff near the company's Grasberg mine in Mimika, Papua, in recent months.
The Jakarta Post reports that close to a hundred drivers have gathered in Timika to meet Freeport management representatives as well as the Regional Legislative Council to convey their deep concern about the shootings.
In July, a shooting occurred at the intersection between the town of Timika and the Grasberg mine site, killing an Australian employee, an Indonesian security guard and a
policeman.
Yet more shootings disrupted the area in August, seemingly aimed at the drivers of Freeport buses.
Meanwhile, Tempointeractive.com reports that more shootings broke out near the Freeport mining complex in Timika on Friday.
It reports that a military unit exchanged fire for up to ten minutes with police personnel on the main road connecting Timika and Tembagapura.
There were no reported casualties but police are awaiting confirmation on the report.
