Minister agrees for Papuan leaders to join contract renegotiation with PT Freeport

By Bambang Atmaja

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Hatta Rajasa welcomes demands from Papuan leaders to take part in contract renegotiation talks with PT Freeport Indonesia and hold the talks in Papua.

The statement was made after the Papuan leaders including Papua Governor Lukas Enembe, Chairman of Chairman of Papuan People Council (MRP) Timotius Murib, and Deputy Chairman of Papua House of Representatives expressed the demand on Monday after meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the State Palace.

"I think it is good, why not. I agree. I want that we sit together. The government of Papua, us, let's all sit together for the renegotiations," Hatta said Tuesday when asked for his response over the Papua leaders' demand to join the renegotiation talks.

Minister Hatta also agreed with another demand of the Papuan leaders for Freeport, which operates a giant gold and copper mine in the province, to increase financial contribution of the firm for the development of the local economy.

"It (the rise of the contribution) can be discussed," Hatta told Petromindo.com.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak