...[W]e strongly disagree with the allegations set out in the TrendAsia article and reject the notion that PTVI acted unlawfully. To date, 44 hectares of the designated 80 hectares at the Old Camp site have been transferred to members of the community, including the associated land rights, which constitutes more than half the land originally designated for compensation. The official transfer of the remaining 36 hectares is on hold, and waiting for the pending community agreement among the various groups of the Kerukunan Wawainia Asli Sorowako (“KWAS”2) to ensure that the land is transferred to the rightful, mutually agreed-upon owners. PTVI is not actively involved in these discussions, which are to be resolved through negotiations between the various KWAS parties in consultation with the local community.

Once the recipients of the land are agreed upon by the KWAS, PTVI will work with the East Luwu Regency and the National Land Agency (“BPN”) to officially and legally transfer the remaining land rights. PTVI does not have the legal right to grant land titles directly to members of the community and must therefore work with the local authorities for a formal transfer of rights...