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Papua crackdown overshadows BP project
TAPOL Press Release - March 31, 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.
For more information 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].
Text also below.
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.
Letter to Tony Hayward, Group Chief Executive BP
Tony Hayward
Group Chief Executive BP
1 St James Square
London SW1Y 4PD
31 March 2008
Dear Mr Hayward,
Tangguh LNG project, West Papua
As individuals and organisations who are closely following the Tangguh LNG project in West Papua, we are writing to express our concern about BP's decision not to extend the mandate of the Tangguh Independent Advisory Panel, TIAP, beyond 2009.
We have serious reservations about TIAP's independence, but we consider that external scrutiny of Tangguh's political, economic, social and environmental impact is essential throughout the duration of the project.
It appears from the decision to wind up TIAP that BP perversely believes the project will have no, or fewer, adverse effects after it becomes operational in 2008. Alternatively, according to a more cynical view of the company's motives (which we hope is not justified), BP believes it can dispense with the public relations cover provided by TIAP after the construction phase has been completed.
At the April 2007 TIAP stakeholder meeting in London and subsequently, it has been suggested that BP will rely on ongoing monitoring by the Asian Development Bank. We would consider this an inadequate measure that would provide neither comprehensive nor independent monitoring.
BP is aware that truly independent monitoring of the project is currently impossible because of the restrictions on access to West Papua, and on movement within the territory, by foreign journalists and international human rights organisations. The Papuans' lack of genuine freedom to express their opposition to, or concern about, strategic projects such as Tangguh means that the local community has little real control over how the project proceeds.
A number of issues remain unresolved or a source of potential problems in the future. They include:
Security and human rights: Increased military presence
There is as yet no firm evidence of an increased military presence in the area of the Tangguh project. However, anecdotal reports point to increased activity by Kopassus special forces troops, Brimob police special operations personnel, intelligence agents and other non-uniformed security forces personnel. TIAP's Reverend Herman Saud confirmed the existence of such reports at the stakeholders' meetings in Washington DC and London in April 2007. In November 2006, the Manokwari-based NGO LP3BH, which provides human rights training for BP, pointed out that the administrative changes in Bintuni Bay consequent upon the arrival of the Tangguh project would result in the establishment of a new district military command.
More worryingly, at the recent TIAP meeting in Manokwari in November 2007, concerns were expressed that this enhanced presence could trigger increased human rights violations.
TIAP has, perhaps justifiably, proclaimed the success of Tangguh's Integrated Community Based Security (ICBS) programme. However, while it may have positive elements, the ICBS initiative is essentially about the micro-management of security and human rights issues around the project site. It does not address the bigger picture of an increased presence by the Indonesian military, TNI. This is an almost inevitable consequence of the development in Indonesia of major resource extraction operations such as Tangguh. 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.
In its Fifth Report, TIAP warned that "the situation could become less stable if new police or TNI units are stationed in the Bintuni area...".
It said it expected new deployments of security forces to take place. At the London stakeholders' meeting, TIAP acknowledged the need for continued monitoring of the situation so it is surprising that BP is withdrawing its support for this vital task.
Social impacts
Although benefits have accrued to villagers re-settled to make way for the production facilities on the south shore of Bintuni Bay, there is ongoing tension among non-resettled villagers who feel they have been unfairly treated. This applies in particular to villagers on the north shore who claim customary rights over some of the gas being exploited. In its Fifth Report, TIAP expressed concern that it has been visiting the area for five years, but BP has not yet made sufficient progress in addressing this issue, which could become another source of conflict. It has been reported also that the resettled villagers of Tanah Merah Baru, despite having new housing, are experiencing problems settling in and establishing their new livelihoods.
In addition, there continue to be tensions and unresolved disputes over long-term land ownership claims in the area.
BP faces a significant challenge when it lays off the majority of its construction workforce once the project becomes operational. This will require careful handling and monitoring for a significant period after the lay-offs takes place.
All these issues point to major ongoing changes to the social order of the Bintuni area for which BP is directly responsible.
Environmental concerns
Environmentally, the major concerns are the impact of a massive increase in shipping and other activities in and around Bintuni Bay and carbon dioxide emissions. Around 12.5 per cent of the Tangguh gas reservoir consists of CO2, which will be released into the atmosphere unless it can be captured.
To our knowledge, no decision has yet been made on the appropriate disposal mechanism.
There is worldwide concern about the destruction of Papua's forests and Indonesian media reports concerning the use of costly wood for the new houses in Tanah Merah Baru raise questions about the environmental credentials of this whole enterprise.
Given BP's recent record of environmental disasters, we have reservations about whether the company can live up to its projected green image.
The situation is made all the more precarious by the vulnerability of the environment in Papua, the lack of protection given to it, the absence of independent monitoring and, above all, its unique value. Withdrawal of BP's support for the monitoring process goes against all the 'green' rhetoric that is so prominent in BP's public relations and marketing exercises.
The wider context
Despite apparent local support, 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. For these reasons, the project is likely to remain a potential source of instability unless and until the West Papua conflict is peacefully resolved.
All these and other issues will require careful monitoring in the short term and, in some cases, for many years to come until the project is completed.
Given the imminent demise of TIAP, we may try to organise a visit to the project by a delegation representing the signatories of this letter.
We trust that you would support our reasonable requests for access to the area.
We should make clear that nothing in this letter should be taken to imply our support for the Tangguh project.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
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