House member says PT Freeport has no good intention

A legislator blasted copper and gold miner PT Freeport Indonesia for failing to meet the House of Representatives's summons to clarify several issues related to its operation in Papua, Investor Daily Indonesia reported in its Saturday edition.

Julius Bobo, a member of the House's Commission VIII, which oversees mining and energy affairs, said the case indicated the firm had no goodwill towards the Commission which seeks to clarify such issues as security, environment, mining activities in protection forests, transfer of ownership, merger and divestment,

Freeport always either cancelled or postponed the meetings with the House citing vague reasons like "too busy" or "the executives are not avaialable".

?We have summoned Freeport not just once or twice but several times. Freeport always either postpone or cancel the meeting with reasons ranging from too busy or not in the place. Therefore, we reached the conclusion that Freeport has no good intention in clarifying the problems," Julius said.

Julius said several members of the Commission were disappointed with the Freeport attitude and have scheduled a meeting with the firm next week. ?If they cancel the meeting again, we (the commission) will summon them through board of House of Representatives,? Julius added.

Meanwhile, when asked about merger on Freeport and PT Indocopper Investama and divestment plans, Freeport spokesperson Saidharta Moersyid told the daily that there was no progress on those issues. (*)