President Jokowi: Govt to Take Action if Negotiations with Freeport Face Difficulties
President Jokowi answers questions of journalists after the launching of BPNT, at the Popki Sports Hall, Cibubur, Jakarta, Thursday (23/2). (Photo: PR/Oji)
In relation to the plan of PT. Freeport Indonesia which keeps persisting to carry out its Contract of Work (CoW) and will take the case to International Arbitration, President Joko Jokowi Widodo said that the Government wants to reach a win-win solution. “We want a win-win solution because this is a business matter. Therefore, I will leave this matter to the Minister,” the President told reporters after the launching of Non-Cash Food Aid (BPNT) card, at the Popki Sports Hall, Cibubur, Jakarta, Thursday (23/2) morning.
However, President Jokowi further said, if we find Freeport difficult to have an amicable deliberation, then the Government will take action.
When asked, does it mean the contract will not be extended? President Jokowi said: “Lets see. The negotiation process with Freeport is still ongoing. The point is, if they [Freeport] are difficult to have negotiations, then I will take action”. However, for the time being, the President continued, let the Minister handle this first.
For the record, the Government has given permission to PT. Freeport Indonesia to become a Special Mining License (IUPK), and follow the provisions as stipulated by the Law. However, PT Freeport Indonesia insisted on the CoW, and will take the case to International Arbitration. (DNA/OJI/ES) (MUR/YM/Naster).
