Hi Bellcurve, the illegals are from southern Sulawesi province...

Hi Bellcurve, the illegals are from southern Sulawesi province and are not local Papuans. They are viewed as outsiders by the locals and are only there while they can continue to pay protection money to the local police force using the ill-gotten gold as payment. Our local partner's primary role is to break the corruption nexus between the illegals and the local police force and while there's been some success and progress here, the recent setback clearly shows there's still a way to go on this. The company has made overtures in the past to employ some of the illegals in the mining operation but this offer has not been taken up with any great enthusiasm. We're hopeful that the offer remains on the table and is perhaps the best solution as you suggest with pressure from the local partner and led by the ex-police chief continuing to mount.