Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States, Indroyono Soesilo, has called for the partnership between Indonesia and Freeport-McMoRan to extend beyond increased share ownership and place greater emphasis on technology transfer and human capital development to strengthen the country’s long-term mining independence.
The remarks were delivered during a meeting with Freeport-McMoRan Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Quirk at the company’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.
“What matters most is not only increasing Indonesia’s ownership stake, but also ensuring that Papua and Indonesia gain technological capabilities, develop highly skilled human resources, and acquire the expertise needed to independently manage modern mining operations in the future,” Indroyono stated.
The discussion focused on the evolving relationship between Indonesia and Freeport, which both parties described as becoming increasingly balanced, while also exploring opportunities to enhance national technological capabilities and workforce development within the mining sector.
AI-Powered Mining Technology Becomes Key Area of Cooperation
A major topic of discussion was the transfer of artificial intelligence-driven mining technologies, particularly through the implementation of the TROI (Throughput, Recovery, Optimization, Intelligence) system.
The technology processes data from thousands of operational mining and processing sensors in real time, enabling greater production efficiency and operational optimization.
TROI analyzes ore characteristics, plant sensor data, milling rates, and copper recovery levels before generating operational recommendations within seconds.
The system can also identify the type of ore being processed and provide plant control recommendations every one to three hours to optimize performance.
Freeport has already deployed TROI at its copper mining operations in the United States and reported copper production increases of up to five percent without requiring significant capital investment.
According to the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, similar technology is expected to be introduced in Papua to support the development of local data scientists, metallurgists, and mining engineers capable of independently managing advanced mining operations.
Indonesia to Increase Ownership Stake
In addition to technology transfer, Freeport has expressed its willingness to provide internship opportunities for Indonesian students and graduates studying at universities in the United States, further strengthening knowledge exchange and access to the latest mining technologies.
On the ownership front, Indonesia’s stake in PT Freeport Indonesia is set to increase from 51.23 percent to 63 percent starting in 2041.
The increase forms part of an agreement reached between the Indonesian government and Freeport-McMoRan in February 2026, extending the company’s operating permit through 2061.
The transformation initiated through the 2018 divestment process is also reflected in the company’s workforce composition.
Of PT Freeport Indonesia’s approximately 27,000 employees, more than 40 percent are Indigenous Papuans, while 97 percent are Indonesian citizens.
Indonesian professionals now hold the majority of key leadership positions within the company, including nine board-level roles and more than 100 managerial positions, highlighting the growing localization of expertise and leadership within Indonesia’s mining industry.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s evolving partnership with Freeport-McMoRan highlights a broader shift toward technological self-reliance and workforce development within the mining sector. Beyond increasing equity ownership, the focus on AI-driven mining technologies, knowledge transfer, and local talent development is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s ability to independently manage advanced mining operations. As ownership, expertise, and technological capabilities continue to grow, the collaboration could serve as a model for building a more competitive and sustainable national mining industry.
Read more: DEFEND ID Reports Positive 2025 Performance and Strengthens Vision for National Strategic Technology Mastery