Freeport denies bribing legislators
Tuesday, March 21 2000 - 04:00 AM WIB
Copper and gold mining company Freeport denied rumors that it had provided Rp 900 million in bribes to each of the House of Representatives' Commission VIII for mines and energy so that they stop criticizing the company, Kompas daily reported.
"It is not true. Why should we provide the bribes; to muzzle the outspoken legislators? They have been outspoken for long and we consider it normal and not unusual," company corporate communications manager Siddharta Moersjid said.
Rumors said Freeport had made approaches and lobbies to persuade some members of the Commission out of continuing reprimanding the company. Some legislators are believed to have been on the payroll of the company.
The bribery rumor surfaced after the Commission decided to postpone the hearing with the company scheduled for Monday.
Commission head Irwan Prayitno said the decision was made as the Commission wanted to gather more information on the company. The Commission planned to send several members of the Commission to visit Freeport on April 9 and 10 and a hearing with Freeport will be held after the visit.
Republika quoted Irwan as denying the bribery reports.
"It is not true. If it is true, we demand evidences," Irwan said.
Freeport has been hit with a spate of criticism over alleged environmental damage it caused around its copper and gold mine in Grasberg area in Irian Jaya. (*)