TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bambang Gatot Ariyono, Director General of Mineral and Coal at the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry said that the government will form a team to manage Freeport Indonesia's divestment.

"We asked for related ministries' willingness to form a team on [Freeport] divestment," said Gatot after a meeting on Monday, January 18, 2016. The meeting was held to discuss the establishment of the team and its working mechanism, assessment process, and work schedule.

Gatot said that the meeting did not discuss Freeport's divestment value. Regarding rumors saying that Freeport's divested shares will be purchased by state-owned companies (SOE), Gatot said that according to prevailing regulations, the shares will be offered to the central government, provincial government and the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). "If [none of the three are interedted], then it will be offered to SOEs."

Gatot added that after today's meeting, the ESDM Ministry will submit a letter to related agencies to request for representatives to act as the team's members.

ESDM Ministry spokesman Hufron Asrofi said that the team members will consist of the Finance Ministry, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP), Cabinet Secretary, the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Agency (BKPM), the State Owned Enterprises Ministry, the Industry Ministry, and the Deputy Attorney General for State Affairs (Jamdatun).

Hufron added that this team will be established to ensure transparent and accountable divestment of Freeport shares.

REZKI ALVIONITASARI