Four Points Emphasized For Freeport Contract Extension

jpnn.com - JAKARTA – The President Joko Widodo has chosen not to meddle in the misuse of his name by a lawmaker during a meeting with Freeport representatives. The leader known as Jokowi, in fact, emphasized in the matter of the firm contract extension related to the lawmaker’s controversy. According to the Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, President Jokowi underlined four important points for Freeport to undergo in order to extend its contract. One of the points highlighted: Freeport should pay more attention to the royalties.

“There should be improvement regarding the royalties paid to the central and regional governments. Meaning to the government of Indonesia,” said Pramono during press conference in the State Palace, Jakarta on Tuesday November 17.

Next point was regarding its divestment. Freeport should perform divestment as regulated in the Mining Law. Pramono did not state specific amount of divestment demanded by the government. Even though in the tape which was, allegedly, misusing the president’s name, the government demanded 51 percent of divestment, from 30 percent in the previous contract.

“It is the first generation contract of work of Freeport. It is rigidly regulated so the obligated divestment is also managed in the contract of work. It is the only thing they need to work on as prescribed by the regulations,” he added.

The American mining firm was also reminded on its smelter establishment. The government has reminded for quite many times, not only to Freeport but also to other mining companies. And finally, the President also asked Freeport to focus on Papua’s development.

All these points have been delegated to the Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said. Pramono Anung ensured that there were no instructions given to external personnel out of the government regarding that matter.

“Once again we reaffirm that the President has never expressed those four points to other personnel, external of the government. If there were parties talking on behalf of the government, the president would firmly deny the claim as it was not the truth,” Pramono confirmed. (flo/apa/jpnn)

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