Jayapura, Jubi – Frits Ramandey, the Head of the Papua Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM Papua), emphasized that mining activities in the Wabu Block in Intan Jaya should obtain permission from the indigenous landowners.
On January 18, 2024, members of the Solidarity of Students and People of Papua conducted a peaceful protest rejecting the Wabu Block, which is set to operate in Intan Jaya. They believe that mining in a former area of PT Freeport Indonesia‘s mining in Intan Jaya Regency will adversely affect the indigenous people there.
“Obtaining consent from the landowners are crucial to avoiding potential conflicts and to provide space for the participation of indigenous communities in the Wabu Block,” Ramandey said on Thursday (25/1/2024).
He expressed concern that unilateral recommendations issued by the government would only escalate conflicts in Intan Jaya.
“The management of the Wabu Block should not only receive recommendations from the government but also from the indigenous landowners. The Wabu Block serves as a trigger for conflicts. The people of Intan Jaya have learned from Freeport as well as traumatized,” he said.
Acting Regent of Intan Jaya Apolos Bagau, on Thursday, mentioned that he would convey the aspirations of the Solidarity of Students and People of Papua rejecting the Wabu Block to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
“We will convey them to the central government, especially to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The results will be communicated to the public,” he stated.
Bagau clarified that the news about the Acting Governor of Central Papua issuing a mining permit for the Wabu Block is false and spread by irresponsible parties. He also emphasized that the Intan Jaya Regency Administration has never issued a mining permit for the Wabu Block. (*)
