Freeport Shares Released: RI Gains 12% Ownership
- Jakarta - Freeport-McMoran (FCX), a U.S.-based mining company, has agreed to transfer 12% ownership of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) to the Indonesian government.
- Rosan assured the public that this share transfer will not require state funds, stating he confirmed this during direct discussions with Freeport-McMoran Chairman Richard Adkerson and chief Executive...
- PT Freeport Indonesia operates one of the world's largest gold and copper mines, the Grasberg mine, located in Papua, Indonesia.
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Freeport-McMoran to Transfer 12% Stake in PT Freeport Indonesia to Indonesian Government
Jakarta – Freeport-McMoran (FCX), a U.S.-based mining company, has agreed to transfer 12% ownership of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) to the Indonesian government. This agreement was announced by Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, CEO of indonesia’s Investment Management Agency (BPI) of Daya Anagata Nusantara, on September 30, 2025.
Rosan assured the public that this share transfer will not require state funds, stating he confirmed this during direct discussions with Freeport-McMoran Chairman Richard Adkerson and chief Executive Officer Kathleen Quirk in the United States. “they (FCX) have agreed to 12%, I also in the US met the leadership directly with their CEO directly with the owner and they have agreed to provide free of charge,” Rosan stated, as reported by CNBC Indonesia.
Background: PT Freeport Indonesia and Indonesian Ownership
PT Freeport Indonesia operates one of the world’s largest gold and copper mines, the Grasberg mine, located in Papua, Indonesia. The Indonesian government has long sought increased ownership in the mine, viewing it as a crucial asset for national revenue. Previous negotiations have centered around increasing Indonesian ownership beyond the current levels.
The history of Indonesian ownership in PTFI is complex. In 1991, Freeport-McMoran signed a Contract of Work (cow) with the Indonesian government, granting it the right to operate the Grasberg mine. over the years, the government has renegotiated the terms of this agreement, aiming for greater control and a larger share of the profits. Reuters reported in December 2023 that discussions were ongoing regarding a further increase in Indonesian ownership.
Details of the Agreement
The 12% stake transfer represents a notable increase in Indonesian government ownership of PTFI. The exact valuation of this 12% share has not been publicly disclosed, but Rosan Perkasa Roeslani emphasized that it will be provided “free of charge” by Freeport-McMoran. This suggests a strategic move by Freeport-McMoran to strengthen its relationship with the Indonesian government and ensure continued operational stability.
The transfer is expected to be completed in the near future, pending final regulatory approvals. The Indonesian government intends to utilize this increased ownership to maximize the economic benefits derived from the Grasberg mine, including increased revenue and greater control over resource management.
Impact and Implications
this agreement has several key implications:
- Increased Government revenue: A larger ownership stake will translate to a greater share of profits for the Indonesian government.
- Strengthened National control: The government will have more influence over the operation and management of the Grasberg mine.
- Positive investor Signal: The agreement demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to attracting foreign investment while ensuring national interests are protected.
- Potential for Further Negotiations: This transfer could pave the way for future negotiations regarding other aspects of the CoW,such as royalty rates and environmental regulations.
