TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Melky Nahar, Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) Campaign Leader said that Freeport Indonesia's attempt to settle the dispute between the mining company and the government at an international arbitration was not a new move. According to Melky, there are three issues frequently brought up by Freeport.
"The issues are layoffs, supports from local ethnics for Freeport's operation, and settling disputes in the international arbitration," Melky said in a discussion held in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 21, 2017.
Melky pointed out that the issues had been frequently brought up to pressure the government. As a result, Melky added, the government had always fulfilled Freeport's demand.
"I think this is a huge challenge for our government," Melky added.
Melky believed that Freeport has a full understanding of the government regulation on the mining license. However, Melky viewed that the US-based mining company refused to comply with the laws and regulations.
Melky hoped that the government would not give in to Freeport, although the government would have to face a lawsuit.
"These natural resources are for our children. Don't let Freeport dictate [how the government] manage the resources," Melky said.
DESTRIANITA