TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Freeport-McMoRan Inc has appointed former Air Force chief of staff Marshall (Ret.) Chappy Hakim as the President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia, replacing Maroef Sjamsoeddin who had resigned in January.

Vice President Corporate Communication of Freeport Indonesia Riza Pratama has confirmed the report. “Pak Chappy Hakim will be appointed as PT Freeport Indonesia president director,” he said yesterday.

Riza said that the appointment was made by Freeport, having consulted with the Indonesian government. “Shareholder approval is currently being sought,” he said.

The news about Chappy’s appointment emerged after circulation of inter-office memorandum of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeport-McMoRan, Richard C. Adkerson, that reads: “I’m pleased to announce that Chappy Hakim will be named as PT Freeport Indonesia president director.”

Chappy had previously held office at Freeport Indonesia. The graduate of Indonesian Air Force Academy class of 1971 was appointed as senior advisor of Freeport Indonesia on August 2016. Adkerson also named Chappy’s achievements that earned him his new post at the company, which include his stint as the chairman of the National Team for Transport Safety and Security Evaluation (EKKT) as well as an expert staff with Transport Ministry. “Over 15 books on aviation and defense have been made [by Chappy],” Adkerson said.

In mining business, however, many sees Chappy as inexperienced. Energy observer of the Institute for Essential Service Reform (IESR), Fabby Tumiwa said: “Chappy has no experience in business at Freeport. He has limited contact. How will he handle Freeport's issues with regard to divestment, smelter development, concentrate exports, etc?”

Chappy did not immediately respond to requests for comment on his appointment.

PINGIT ARIA