Criticism against Freeport not connected with investment policy: Official

A top official of State Ministry of Environment said on Tuesday the spate of criticism launched against the operation of copper and gold mining company PT Freeport Indonesia in Irian Jaya was not motivated by any economic and political interests, Kompas daily reported.

Sudarsono, secretary to State Minister of Environment, said during a seminar the criticism was driven by global concerns over the environment.

He said the government would not be reluctant to reprimand Freeport it was proved to have polluted the environment and neglected the rights of the (local) people despite the risk that it could discourage investors from entering the country. (*)