The Siege Continues

Events inside the company are getting to the point where I know things before the press does. I'm going to err on the side of caution and only update what the press already knows (with links where possible) and anything I personally experience that does not come from internal communications. There is likely to be a mere 24-hour lag between what I know and what the press knows. I'm not at the job site and am not on the Emergency Response Team (ERT), so often the press will know more than me.

I feel comfortable I'm not violating any policy by informing everyone that we had another incident today. I was in a video conference with colleagues at our mine site when a member of the ERT interupted to inform us that they had received a report of shots fired and were shutting down all road access until further notice. Later, an internal communication went out apprising everyone of the incident and providing further details regarding transportation, travel and access restrictions. This incident resulted in no casualties, so our safety measures are paying dividends.

We now have armed escorts for caravans moving up and down the hill. The articles I've linked to discuss the increased police, military and anti-terrorism forces sent to provide security. After the gun fight that occurred during the last attack, it's pretty bold to continue firing shots at our vehicles.

The organization has been very good with communicating both internally and externally. This is one of those situations where we have to exercise spin control to prevent false information from creating undue concern. We are also hammering home the message that the safety of our employees and their families are of paramount importance. Our actions are reinforcing this message.

The Jakarta Post had two articles today about the situation in Papua: an update and an editorial. This one appears to be an update from yesterday's news. Another article from Bloomberg.

An expat working for another company in the same building as myself noticed the Freeport name on my security badge as we were heading up in the elevator and started asking me how everyone was taking the news. Some of the other expats my community have asked me a few questions about the event, too. When people start going after foreigners, it reminds people of the riots in Jakarta about 10 years ago when they started going after the "wealthy" expats - mostly Chinese - and there was much looting, raping, and beating. We are very much insulated from any threats here in Jakarta, but people still feel it.