Toru Hisada

Indigenous Development and Self-determination in West Papua: Socio-political and Economic Impacts of Mining Upon the Amungme and Kamoro Communities Toru Hisada

Substantial research has been done on the negative impacts of the Freeport mining company's operation on the Amungme and Kamoro communities who reside in its operating area of West Papua. Yet, little research has been done regarding Freeport's social policies to the issues. The book firstly examines Freeport's recent social policies which have attempted to address the two communities' concerns. The book then employs a case study of the South African reconciliation processes to explore the prospects of achieving successful community development in Freeport's operating area. Also, the Indonesian Military (TNI), by carrying out the role of protecting the Freeport operation, has committed a large number of human rights violations against indigenous West Papuans around the mine. Since major countries have supported the Indonesia state and the TNI, the attitude of Pacific Island states towards the issue is examined. Finally, the book suggests the more important role of the Amungme and Kamoro themselves in taking responsibility for their plight and taking positive actions wherever possible to solve the issues surrounding them.