Freeport?s refusal to divest shares would hurt the feeling of Irian Jaya people

The negative response given by U.S.-based gold and copper mining giant Freeport McMoRan over demand to divest its shares in PT Freeport Indonesia would hurt the feelings of the Irian Jaya people, according to a senior informal leader.

Stefanus Manufandu was quoted by the Bisnis Indonesia daily as saying that Freeport and the government of Indonesia should be more wise in dealing with the aspiration of the Irian Jaya people to owns shares in the gold mining giant operation.

The Antara news agency had reported that Freeport McMoran had not agreed to sell its shares in PT Freeport Indonesia as demanded by the Irian people.

Irian Jaya Governor Jaap Salossa was quoted by the press earlier as saying that the U.S. mining giant had agreed to the divestment plans.

PT Freeport Indonesia is currently controlled by the U.S. firm owning nearly 86 percent shares, while the remaining shares are divided between the government and PT Nusamba. (*)