Indonesia Deploys Hundreds of Troops to Papua Province Amid Widespread Protests

Indonesia is deploying hundreds more troops to Papua province to prevent further unrest, following protests against US mining giant Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.'s massive gold mine. The protests escalated last week, resulting in the deaths of five security officers, including four members of the police paramilitary brigade. The troops were killed by protesters who bludgeoned them to death, according to reports.

Key Takeaways:

• Indonesia has sent hundreds of additional troops to Papua province to prevent further unrest, following widespread protests against Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.'s gold mine.
• Five security officers have died in the protests, including four members of the police paramilitary brigade who were bludgeoned to death.
• The Freeport mine has been a target of protests, with many Papuans accusing the company of earning billions of dollars while doing little for the local community.
• The protests highlight the long-standing tensions between the Papuan people and the Indonesian government, with many feeling resentment towards the military and police presence in the province.
• The Indonesian government has struggled to contain the separatist movement in Papua, which has been ongoing for decades and has resulted in multiple human rights abuses by security forces.
• The deployment of additional troops to Papua province has raised concerns about potential retaliatory attacks by protesters.

Statistics:

• 400 personnel from the police paramilitary brigade were initially deployed to Papua province to prevent further unrest.
• 5 security officers have died in the protests, including 4 members of the police paramilitary brigade.
• The Freeport mine has been the target of multiple protests in recent years, with many protesters accusing the company of exploiting Papua's resources without providing adequate benefits to the local community.

Sources:

• "Indonesia sending hundreds more troops to Papua province". Dow Jones Commodities News. March 22, 2006.
• Edited by Leslie Shaffer (END) Dow Jones Newswires 03-22-06 0245ET
• Copyright (c) 2006 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.