The Fate Of Freeport's Share Divestment Is Still Continuing

President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) Tony Wenas. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) President Director Tony Wenas revealed that Freeport McMoran's additional 10 percent stake was continued to the state-owned mining holding company, MIND ID.

Tony said, until now talks related to divestment are still ongoing

"It's still being discussed. There is no update yet," he told the media crew when met at Tribrata Darmawangsa, Wednesday, August 27.

Just so you know, currently Indonesia's share ownership in Freeport through MIND ID is recorded at 51.2 percent.

With an additional 10 percent stake, Indonesia's total shares will amount to 61.2 percent.

"So indeed 51.2 percent is owned by Indonesia and that is valid up to 2041," he added.

Meanwhile, regarding the extension of the PTFI Special Mining Business License (IUPK), Tony said that it was still being discussed in line with the divestment agreement.

The reason is, the extension of the IUPK must be accompanied by the release of additional shares.

According to him, discussions regarding the extension of permits are still being discussed with the government.

Dikatakan Tony, potensi sumber daya mineral yang harus dieksplorasi masih tergolong besar, sehingga dirinya menyayangkan jika IUPK tidak diperpanjang pemerintah.

"Kami memang berpikir atau diskusi sama pemerintah untuk kan ada lagi sumber daya di bawahnya, kan sayang kalau gak di-develop," imbuh dia.

Jika tidak dikembangkan, sambung dia, kontribusi PTFI ke negara sebes 4 miliar dolar AS per tahun dan ke daerah sebesar 700 juta dolar per tahun akan berhenti. Di sisi lain, tenaga kerja sebesar 30.000 juga harus menghadapi ancaman kehilangan pekerjaan.

"Jadi enggak ada yang diuntungkan. Kalau kemudian bisa dilakukan lebih lanjut lagi sampai 2061 atau bahkan lebih, maka manfaat-manfaat ekonomi itu akan terus berlanjut," tandas Tony.

Tony said the potential for mineral resources that must be explored is still relatively large, so he regretted if the government did not extend the IUPK.

"We do think or discuss with the government so that there are more resources under it, it's a shame if we don't develop it," he added.

If not developed, he continued, PTFI's contribution to a country of US$4 billion per year and to the regions of 700 million per year would stop. On the other hand, 30,000 workers must also face the threat of job loss.

"So no one will benefit. If it can be done further until 2061 or even more, then the economic benefits will continue," said Tony.