THE insistence of the government, represented by Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo, in acquiring 7 percent of Newmont Nusa Tenggara shares is rational and deserves support. Conversely, the pressure from the House of Representatives’ (DPR) Finance and Mining commissions that the shares be bought by the regional administration is strange and questionable.

The divestment of Newmont has been shrouded in mystery. The regional government already co