Markus Makur, Timika – The All-Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI) of US mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia has submitted an official proposal to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) asking for protection following a series of shootings by unknown gunmen.

Union secretary Ronny G. Kadrun gave the letter to commission member Nur Kholis in Tembagapura on Thursday.

In its letter, the union wrote that the brutal shootings had caused anxiety among workers from Freeport and from other private companies. "The union has asked for the commission to guarantee the employees' safety and security so as the 21,000 workers can work as usual," a union press release stated.

Nur said the commission would immediately urge the government to resolve the matter. "I will review the case and conduct further investigations," Nur said.

Between July and August, there have been six shootings claiming at least three workers' lives.