Smelter Development Plan in Papua Faces Strong Resistance
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Kamis, 4 Juni 2015 15:50 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Papua - The Papua regional government's plan to build a copper smelter faced strong resistance from the Kamoro tribe inhabiting the Paumako sub-district. The villagers believed that the construction of the smelter destroy the tribe's indigenous forest located in the area.
"The forest is our [source of food]," Head of the Kamoro Tribe Assembly Robertus Waraopea told Tempo on Thursday, June 4, 2015.
Robertus argued that both the Papua administration and the central government have never coordinated the smelter construction plan with the people of Kamoro.
Kamoro tribe's land spans 300 kilometers-square wide. The tribe's territory shared its borders with the Kalimana, Asmat, Dogiyai, Deiyai and Paniai districts. On the southern part, the tribe’s land directly borders with the Arafura Sea.
The area planned to be the location of the smelter was said to be located close to the local settlement. "We live five to ten meters away from [the designated area]. It certainly worries us," said Robertus.
People of the Kamoro tribe urged the government to relocate the smelter to the border of Kaimana District and Mimika District. "Smelter development in the [border of Kaimana District and Mimika District] will open isolated areas and there are roads to get there," Robertus said.
ROBBY IRFANY