Bahlil Will Give Export Permits For Copper Concentrat To Freeport Until June 2025

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that he would grant permission to export copper concentrate to PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) until June 2025. This permit was granted after the results of an investigation by the police and the team of the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal showed that the fire that occurred in PTFI's Gresik smelter was a force majeur or majear condition and had no intentional element.

"Well, on that basis, the government through the ratas has decided to extend its exports until the damaged factory is completed. When will it be finished? In June," Bahlil told the media crew at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Building, Friday, February 21.

Bahlil added that this decision was taken in a limited meeting and took into account the impact on the state, PTFI and the people of Papua.

Bahlil also said that his party had asked for guarantees from PTFI President Director Tony Wenas to complete the smelter repairs in June 2025.

"I have asked Mr. Tony Wenas to sign the statement on the seal notarized, so that if it is not finished until June, then he will be sanctioned, given sanctions," explained Bahlil.

Not only that, but the government also ensures that it will provide high export tax rates for PTFI if it has started to carry out copper concentrate export activities.

Bahlil did not elaborate further on when the government would issue the permit because it was still being processed by PTFI and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

"It's still in the process. Yes, wait for the government to arrange it," said Bahlil.