Jayapura – Protesting employees and PT Freeport Indonesia management failed to reach a compromise over the strikes which had entered the fifth day, obstructing the company's mining operations.

Company spokesperson Ramdani Sirait called the strikes illegal, but added that the company was ready for round-table talks over work contracts for the next two years beginning in October.

"A meeting has yet to be initiated because of the uncertainties over who is the legitimate leader of the labor union," he said.

"The company is appealing to the employees to return to work so as to stem disadvantages to the workers, the Indonesian government and the company while we are still finding a way out."

The workers have demanded a pay raise. Freeport co-chairman James R. Moffet is expected to be arriving in Indonesia soon to help address the issues.