Jakarta — Chair of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua’s Special Autonomy (Otsus), Velix Wanggai, said that discussions on the divestment scheme or share release of Freeport will be resumed.
Velix made the statement after meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and regional heads from across Papua at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (December 16).
“There is a directive from the President for us to discuss the Freeport divestment scheme, particularly the 10 percent share that is the right of Indigenous Papuans. This will be deliberated among the governors in Tanah Papua and included within the budgetary framework,” Velix said.
He added that the issue would be further discussed with Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia.
Meanwhile, Papua Governor Mathius Fakhiri said the Freeport divestment issue would first be discussed internally.
Fakhiri stated that he would also raise the matter with other governors in Papua.
“Of course, we will address this as soon as possible after returning home, because we will hold a General Meeting of Shareholders (GMS) related to Papua’s divestment. After that, we will report to the Minister and the Minister of ESDM regarding the next steps,” he said.
Previously, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that Indonesia would receive an additional 12 percent stake in Freeport.
He conveyed this certainty following the finalization of negotiations on the divestment or release of a 12 percent Freeport share for Indonesia.
“I have stated that the negotiations on the additional Freeport shares are final, with an increase of 12 percent,” Bahlil said when speaking to reporters after the Indonesia Langgas Berenergi event organized by Detik and CNN Indonesia at Anjungan Sarinah, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, October 7.
Minister of Investment and Downstream Industries/Head of BKPM as well as CEO of BPI Danantara, Rosan Roeslani, claimed that the additional 12 percent stake in PT Freeport-McMoRan would be obtained free of charge.
“The result of our negotiations is that we will receive an additional 12 percent shareholding, free of charge, with no cost at all. The implementation will continue to be finalized,” Rosan said at JCC Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, October 8.
