Deputy governor appeals for end to Freeport attacks

JAYAPURA: Papua Deputy Governor Alex Hessegem appealed to gunmen to stop attacks on PT Freeport Indonesia, saying the incidents had caused residents living in areas surrounding the gold and copper mine to suffer.

"End the shootings if the attackers belong to a group of armed civilians who claim to be protecting Papuan people," he said, after attending an anniversary gathering of the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP), in Jayapura on Saturday.

Hassegem also urged security authorities to immediately arrest the attackers and uncover their identities.

The police and military have not discovered who had several times ambushed Freeport officials during the last four months, killing three in the attacks.

The Papuan military has blamed a separatist group led by Kelly Kwalik, but police deny this claim. - JP