Busang gold mines

Nearly all layers of Indonesian society are discussing the plans for the exploitation of the Busang gold mines in Kalimantan by foreign companies such as Bre-X and Barrick in partnership with the national private sector.

Considering the huge deposits of gold, said to be the largest in the world, and the long period of exploitation, the Busang mines are expected to yield tens of billions of U.S. dollars during production, it was interesting to read the government would only have a 10 percent share in the operations.

As a citizen of Indonesia I would like to remind the leaders and people's representatives that the natural riches belong to the Indonesian people. They are God's gift to the whole Indonesian nation and they have not been bestowed on one person, one group or a handful of persons.

Moreover, Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution says there are three economic agents: state-owned companies, the private sector and cooperatives. Cooperatives are especially recognized as the pillar of the national economy.

I would propose the honorable leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly and the House of Representatives should urge executives to give equal opportunities to other economic agents, namely state-owned companies and cooperatives, to participate in the exploitation of the Busang gold mines. In particular, the cooperatives need to be considered.

I trust that the leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly and the House of Representatives, in whom the people have put their trust, will fight with full responsibility.

M. DIMYATI HARTONO

Jakarta