ExxonMobil case said to highlight Indonesia rights abuses

JAKARTA (AFP)

“This decision is acknowledging what is common sense to many — if you are paying government militia to do your dirty work then you are responsible for their conduct,” said Australia-based Mineral Policy Institute director Techa Beaumont.

Such operations “would be advised to reconsider their positions that payment to sections of the Indonesian military linked to extrajudicial killings, murder and torture of Papuan citizens is an acceptable business practice,” Beaumont said

Defence Minister Juwono Sudarsono said government policy was for foreign companies to repay military protection of “vital assets” by channelling funds through civilian government bodies.

“In the case of Exxon, the money must go through (oil regulator) BP Migas or (state oil monopoly) Pertamina,” he said.

AFP