Freeport Open to Potential DSI Role in Copper Exports
Wed 04 Nov 2026, 14:34 PM
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PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) has expressed its readiness to support the potential expansion of PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia's (DSI) role in improving natural resource export governance to include copper commodities.
PTFI President Director Tony Wenas explained that DSI is expected to play a strategic role as an export agent for Indonesia's natural resource commodities. According to Tony, DSI's involvement would not necessarily extend the distribution chain or add bureaucratic procedures.
"If it is beneficial for the country, then it is a positive development, as long as it does not extend the distribution chain. DSI would not add bureaucratic layers, as its role is to serve as an export agent," Tony said during the Minerba Convention & Exhibition (Convex) 2026 on Tuesday (November 3, 2026).
Tony explained that PTFI's copper export mechanism has been relatively straightforward, as the pricing and specifications of its products follow internationally recognized standards.
He noted that PTFI's copper selling prices are benchmarked against the London Metal Exchange (LME), while its copper products have a purity level of 99.99%.
Furthermore, Tony stated that PTFI's copper trading arrangements have traditionally involved direct transactions between the company and its buyers. Copper shipments are also delivered directly to customers without passing through transit countries.
He therefore believes that incorporating copper exports into DSI's oversight mechanism would not create significant issues in verifying product prices or quality.
"If exports are required to go through an export agent, whether DSI or another entity, there should be no issue," Tony concluded.
Previously, DSI emphasized that it does not have regulatory or law enforcement authority over Indonesia's strategic commodity export monitoring mechanisms.
Instead, DSI will be responsible for identifying potential anomalies in export transactions before referring its findings to the relevant government authorities.
DSI President Director Luke Thomas Mahony explained that the authority to investigate and take enforcement action against suspected export violations remains with regulatory institutions, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the Directorate General of Taxes, and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise under the Ministry of Finance.
According to Mahony, DSI will carry out trade monitoring and data analysis to identify potential discrepancies in export transactions.
If an anomaly is detected, DSI will first seek clarification from the exporter involved before referring the matter to the relevant authorities.
"We are not a regulatory institution. We do not conduct law enforcement or investigations. Those responsibilities remain with the regulators," Mahony stated.
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