"We have prepared follow-up measures, including a counter-lawsuit, at a different arbitration court against Newmont," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Chairul Tanjung said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government is preparing a counter-lawsuit against PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara and has set up a team to handle the ongoing dispute with the mining company.

"We have prepared follow-up measures, including a counter-lawsuit, at a different arbitration court against Newmont," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Chairul Tanjung said after a coordination meeting here on Monday.

He noted that the presidential decision on the establishment of the team would be issued in the next two to three days, adding that the draft was ready on Friday.

Newmont and its majority shareholder, Nusa Tenggara Partnership BV, has filed a lawsuit at the international arbitration court against the Indonesian government following the governments decision to ban concentrate exports.

The special team that has been set up to deal with the law suit includes members from the office of the coordinating minister for economic affairs, the Investment Coordinating Board, the ministry of energy and mineral resources, the ministry of law and human rights. The attorney general with the Investment Coordinating Boards chairman will serve as the head of the group.

The first step to be taken by the team is nominating a lawyer and issuing an official response to the Newmont lawsuit within 20 days after the lawsuit was filed on July 15.

Chairul Tanjung declined to mention details of the governments counter-lawsuit or the identity of the lawyer to be nominated.

"We wish to concentrate on Newmonts lawsuit first, but at the same time are also preparing a counter-lawsuit," Chairul said.

"In principle, we wish to warn them not to play games with our country," he added.

He noted that the government respected every investor that comes to Indonesia.

Therefore, with regard to Newmont, the government will offer the company an opportunity to revoke its lawsuit and continue negotiating with the government.

"We protect all investors, including those in the minerals and coal sector, including Newmont. But Newmont has not shown its goodwill," he said.

Newmont and Nusa Tenggara Partnership BV have filed a lawsuit against the Indonesian government following its ban on the export of concentrates.

The president director of Newmont Nusa Tenggara, Martiono Hadianto, said the ban has caused the company to stop production at its Batu Hijau mining field, resulting in economic losses for workers, contractors and other stakeholders.

"Newmont Nusa Tenggara and shareholders have no other choice but seeking settlement through the international arbitration court to assure that the work, rights and interests of the companys stakeholders are protected," he said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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