PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS, PEACE AND DEMOCRACY IN INDONESIA

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Press release

31 March 2008 – Amid increasing concern about Indonesia’s harsh treatment of peaceful protestors in West Papua, more than 30 human rights groups and individuals worldwide are warning BP that its new $US6 billion Tangguh natural gas project is a potential source of instability in the troubled region [1].

In a letter to the British company’s Chief Executive, Tony Hayward [2], the organisations highlight the pressing need for independent external scrutiny of the BP operation, highlighting reports of increased activity by the Indonesian military, TNI, in the area of the project.

‘The TNI’s past record suggests that it is likely to adopt a highly intimidatory approach, giving rise to possible conflicts with the local and wider Papuan community,’ they say.

A tribal leader recently wrote to BP complaining about military harassment because of his political activities and work in protecting the local environment.

In their letter, the organisations point out that the project is regarded by some Papuans as an obstacle to the realisation of their wider political aspirations.  BP is seen by them as a collaborator with Jakarta’s exploitation of West Papua’s natural resources.

The letter is prompted by BP’s decision not to extend the mandate of the Tangguh Independent Advisory Panel (TIAP) [3].  It is sent in the wake of a wave of arrests this month of Papuans peacefully protesting against a ban on regional symbols such as the Papuan Morning Star flag.

Most of the arrests took place in nearby Manokwari, the capital of the province in which Tangguh is located.  Those arrested are expected to be charged under Indonesia’s draconian anti-subversion laws.  If convicted, they could face prison sentences of up to 20 years.

The letter lists a number of other concerns relating to the social and environmental impacts of the project.

Two weeks ago, The Guardian newspaper reported receiving a letter from Papuan leaders complaining that BP has reneged on agreements and is ‘taking sides with the Indonesian government, as they are bypassed from all lasting benefits’ [4].  

Earlier this month a large number of troops were deployed to the area to provide security for a visit to the project by Prince Andrew, the UK government’s business envoy.   

ENDS

Contact: Paul Barber on +44 1420 80153 or +44 774 730 1739

Notes:

1. The Tangguh Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) project is located in the Bintuni Bay area of West Papua.  It is due to become operational towards the end of 2008.  BP is the lead contractor with a 37.16% stake.  The Tangguh fields contain around 14.4 trillion cubic feet of gas.  The project has secured sales contracts with China, South Korea and the US.

2. Available at [http://tinyurl.com/2jr285].

3. Although it purports to be independent, TIAP was set up by BP.  It advises on non-commercial aspects of the project and is chaired by former US Senator, George Mitchell.

4. ‘Shattered Illusions’, Society Guardian, 19 March 2008.

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