TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Panjaitan said that the United States is arrogant when it comes to Freeport affairs. Luhut claimed that he had the impression after a meeting with the US Trade Minister.

“I met with United States Minister of Trade, once I met him I was told [that] the US is arrogant. Why did you bother Freeport?”

Read: Freeport to Issue New shares for Divestment Requirements

Luhut eventually explained to the US Trade Minister that Indonesia chose to reconsider Freeport’s contract because the mining company has already overstayed its operations and that it is time for Indonesia to take over the mining company.

Luhut gave an analogy of a tenant that has rented the location for 50 years and that Indonesia as the landlord does not feel like renting the space anymore. Luhut argues that Indonesia will not be able to gain anything for its people if Freeport is always going to be under the United States control.

Read: Freeport Contract Extension yet to be Decided: Official

Luhut emphasized that the Indonesian government gave Freeport several requirements to continue its operations such as divesting more than half of its shares and requiring them to build a domestic smelter.

Luhut argues that the government is willing to take these steps because he considers that both governments have built a good relationship.

IMAM HAMDI