TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The People's Conscience Party called on the House of Representatives' Commission VII overseeing energy affairs to urge the government to temporarily halt Freeport Indonesia's business operation.
The call was made as a result of an incident when Freeport Indonesia president director Chappy Hakim snapped at Hanura's lawmaker Mukhtar Tompo during a House work meeting on Thursday, February 9, 2017.
Hanura Faction chairman Nurdin Tampubolon said that Chappy had insulted the House as a legislative institution. Nurdin called on the government to temporarily suspend Freeport's operation until the mining company provides an explanation in relation to the incident.
"This is important since it concerns corporate leader’s attitude toward the House of Representatives as a partner," Nurdin said at the Senayan Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Friday, February 2017.
Another reason for the temporary suspension is that the mining company has not built smelters as mandated by Law No. 4/2009. Nurdin did not deny that Indonesia needs Freeport. However, Nurdin pointed out that Freeport is not necessarily above the law.
Earlier, during a meeting between the House's Commission VII and mining companies, Chappy reportedly yelled at Mukhtar. Mukhtar revealed Chappy snapped at him when he was going to shake Chappy's hands.
Mukhtar explained that the incident was triggered by his statement asking Freeport to be consistent in performing its obligation to build smelters in accordance with Law No. 4/2009. Mukhtar said that House's Commission VII declared that Freeport had violated its commitment in relation to the smelter development.
Mukhtar claimed that Chappy has extended his apology through media, but not personally to him.
AHMAD FAIZ
