Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government has decided to extend the process of divestment of seven percent shares in PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara from initially set on April 18 to May 18 2011.

The energy and mineral resource minister`s information and communication expert staff Kardaya Warnika said here on Monday the minister had already sent the decision letter to the finance minister.

"The consideration for it is that more time is needed for processing the transfer of divestment shares and because of a demand from a third party that needs to be studied to avoid problems in the future," he said.

Kardaja said the decision had also been informed to PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara and "they did not object to it," he said.

This is the third extension after the one from December 18, 2010 to March 18, 2011 and the last from March 18 to April 18.

The divestment has become a problem after both central and local governments wish to take them.

Finance minister Agus Martowardoyo said the government would buy the shares through the Government Investment Center while the local governments also wish to do it to give more benefit to the local people.

Demonstrations have taken place in West Sumbawa to protest the central government`s plan.
(T.K007/H-YH/H-NG/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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