President Jokowi Answers to Defamatory Allegations Against Him
President Jokowi during the Opening of the 7th Training for Forming Ulema Cadres, in Bogor, West Java, Wednesday (8/8) (Photo: Anggun/PR)
President Joko Jokowi Widodo answered to defamatory allegations against him that considered will threaten the country, namely allegation about him being a foreign stooge.
A foreign stooge? On what basis? We (the Government) handed over the management of Mahakam Block which was previously owned by France and Japan, to Pertamina, President Jokowi said during the Opening of the 7th Training for Forming Ulema Cadres of Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), in Bogor, West Java, Wednesday (8/8).
President Jokowi asserted that the management of Mahakam Block which was held by Chevron was taken over fully by the Government and it was handed over to the State-owned Oil and Gas Company Pertamina.
On that occasion, the President also mentioned the issue of gold mine in Papua under the management of PT Freeport Indonesia. For 40 years, Indonesias ownership of Freeport is only 9.36 percent, and we did nothing.
Several ministries and I have been negotiating for 3.5 years; an intense negotiation. Dont think it is easy, (negotiation) is very tough and intense. I insisted the ownership should not be less than 51 percent. I already reminded all to not give in. Say no when they proposed 30 percent. I clearly said, acquire (a majority stake of) 51 percent, President Jokowi firmly said.
However, when the head of agreement was signed, the President criticized the fact that the public voices were all negative.
I dont understand it. Everyone remained silent for the past 40 years with only 9 percent. When we get 51 percent, you did not support us, President Jokowi said adding that the public must give their full support so that one day the country can fully take over the Freeport.
And you still accused (me) a foreign stooge, the Head of State said.
Also accompaying President Jokowi in that event were Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, and United Development Party (PPP) Chairman Muhammad Romahurmuzy.
(DID/ES) (RAS/MMB/Naster)
