Minister calls for an open dialogue on Freeport

Minister of Research and Technology AS Hikam called on Thursday the pros and cons on the giant gold mining PT Freeport Indonesia case to hold an open dialogue to help resolve the current controversy.

"I think it is better to hold an open dialogue to know the truth. Prove the truth and the mistakes with convincing evidence not only making accusations or defense," he told reporters following a visit to the Freeport operation in the Papua province.

AS Hikam is also the executive director of the East Indonesian Council.

Freeport has been accused of environmental destruction and other wrongdoings. The company has denied all charges.(*)