President meets with Freeport CEO, no talks on security issue

CEO of US giant gold and copper company Freeport McMoRan Richard Adkerson together with at least eight CEOs of top US companies such as Caterpillar, Cargill, Chevron and JP Morgan held business meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) in Honolulu, Hawaii on Monday, on the sideline of APEC Summit.

Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan who accompanied the President during the gathering said that the Freeport CEO reveals Freeport?s plan to increase its investment in Papua and that no mentioning about his concerned over security at Freeport's mining site in Papua.

?Things that he (Freeport CEO) said were positive. There is no discussion on security concerns, instead his spirit was high in seeking solutions,? Gita said as quoted by detik.com.

The meeting came as Freeport workers at the mine site in Papua continued their two months strike currently meant to last to till November 15 on workers demand for salary hikes. As of today, no amicable solution has been reached. The Freeport?s workers union had said they may extend their strike if no deal is reached with the management.

Furthermore, over the past two months, there have been sporadic shootings around the Freeport mining site, which further heightening concerned over security at the Freeport mining site. The strike has almost paralyzed the operation of the giant gold and copper firm. (*)