Governor of Papua asks Freeport to build railroads

Access is still a major problem for Papua, especially in central part of Papua. (Map of Papua)

Governor of Papua, Luke Enembe and his deputy, Klemen Tinal asked PT Freeport Indonesia to build railroads as a contribution for Papuan people. Enembe admitted that Freeport as a major investor in Papua, had provided benefits to the country.

"But, the contributions seems too small if its is compared to magnitude of Papuan natural wealth of minerals such as gold, copper and silver that has been taken for decades in Papua," Enembe said on Friday. 

Access is still a major problem for Papua. Most of the territory, especially in central part of of Papua is still isolated from outside due to its geographical and topographical conditions. The only form of transportation to reach the population in the central Papua only by small aircraft or helicopters to limited locations. 

Building road is also not effective and efficient due to Papuan mountainous steep so it is considered to be inefficient and ineffective. Then trains is considered as the best transportation for Papua.  

Freeport Indonesia is an subsidiary of Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc in the United States. Freeport have invested  in Mimika regency, Papua since 42 years ago. Last time, government signed a contract with Freeport to invest in Papua in 1991 during the reign of President Suharto.

Sources :

http://www.republika.co.id/berita/en/national-politics/13/05/17/mmy39q-governor-of-papua-asks-freeport-to-build-railroads