Markus Makur, Timika – Hundreds of Amungme and Kamoro tribespeople in Mimika, Papua, held a protest Tuesday to demand giant gold mining company PT Freeport Indonesia give them its old machinery, vehicles and scrap materials.

The protesters marched to Freeport's office in Kuala Kencana to speak with company management about the request.

Agustinus Anggaibak, the organizer of the rally, said that as the original owners of PT Freeport's land, the tribes had asked the company to give them old or outdated equipment.

Anggaibak said the one percent of Freeport's profits supposed to go to local communities was not being properly disbursed. "Instead of improving people's welfare, the money frequently causes conflicts," he said. Anggaibak accused local leaders of embezzling the money.

Representatives of the tribes called on Freeport to train locals so they could hold strategic positions in the company. Freeport had never employed tribespeople in mining jobs, they said.

Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Jantje Jimmy Tuilan said the protesters had held the rally without obtaining a permit from the police, required for demonstrations outside the Freeport mine or company buildings.

The protesters dispersed peacefully after being reminded about the need for a permit.