JAKARTA. The Indonesian government is considering adding 10% of the share ownership in PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI).

This was conveyed by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), after inaugurating the PTFI smelter located in Gresik, East Java. According to Jokowi, this negotiation process requires a fairly long process.

"Previously when we took 51% [of PTFI shares], the negotiation also did not take a month, two months, three months. Years, tough," said Jokowi.

On the other hand, said Jokowi, his party has asked a number of related ministries, namely the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to immediately complete the negotiation process. The reason, said Jokowi, is that Indonesia currently has its own smelter.

"This is still in process, later ask the Minister of ESDM about the process. But I ask that it be cleared as soon as possible," said Jokowi.

It should be noted that the PTFI smelter in Gresik was built with an investment value of IDR 56 trillion. This morning, President Jokowi also inaugurated Amman Mineral's smelter in Sumbawa, built with an investment of IDR21 trillion. (KR/LM)