Rebirth 1973 - Chapter 54 Mining Righ
“$1 Billion huh…” Soeharto supporting his chin with his hand and contemplating.
“How do you get your confidence to get $1 Billion Dollar in 1 year? From what I know, your main income comes from writing a novel?” Soeharto asks with doubt as he doesn’t believe what Henry says. Henry income only totaled $200 Million for the entire year since he begins to write.
He believes Henry can gain another $200 MIllion in 1 year, but $1 Billion? That’s simply impossible for him.
Henry smiles mysteriously toward Soeharto and replied, “Do you think writing is my only income? Do you know computer, Mr. President ?”
“Computer? Of course, I know that thing. We have installed those things since 1967 for our government facility. Do you mean you have another income related to computer ?” Soeharto genuinely confused by what Henry said.
“What do you think about the computer, Mr. President ?” Henry smiles even wider when he saw Soeharto confused face.
“Well, I don’t know much about the computer as I never use it myself. But the computer has helped to lighten up our repetitive administrative job. So I think maybe the computer is a good tool.” Soeharto voiced out his opinion.
“That’s it?”
“That’s it.”
Henry feels a little disappointed as Soeharto response is not what he expects. Well, a person like Soeharto must be an old fashioned guy who doesn’t understand technology at all. So maybe he should ‘open’ Soeharto eyes a little.
“What do you think will happen when a computer can do more thing than just simple repetitive job? What if the computer can be popularized into the general population? What if the computer size can be minimized from what the bulky size now?” Henry asked a series of questions quickly.
Soeharto stunned when he heard Henry question as he never thinks much about the computer. But when he thinks Henry carefully, there’s indeed a true fact within it. He quickly catches Henry meaning from the question.
“Do you think you can make it happen ?” Soeharto asks with interest.
“Do you think my reputation as the most outstanding genius contemporary is empty ?” Henry joked.
Soeharto laughs as he already has the answer for Henry question.
“Well, if that’s true you can invest anywhere you like. You know Indonesia is in dire need of investor now as we lack everything from the economic stability, the infrastructure, and many other sectors.” Soeharto explained.
Henry already thinking about what sector he must invest in Indonesia, the mining sector. Indonesia is home to many world-class mineral resources reserves such as Oil, Coal, Copper, Gold, and many others. Even though he didn’t know much about the mining industry, he knows that Indonesia is very rich in natural resources.
Indonesia introduced a new mining law in 1967 that allows a foreign company to participate in the mining industry. The new mining law introduced by Soeharto due to his deal with Freeport about Grasberg Mine.
Henry knows that the mining industry is a very important pillar to Indonesia economy as it occupies 42% of Indonesia GDP in 1972. If he can occupy the majority of mine in Indonesia, it means he can control a part of Indonesia economy too.
There’s still not many who realize the potential of Indonesia mining reserves, only 2 companies realize it which is Freeport McMoran and Vale. Freeport only occupies Grasberg Mine and Vale occupy a Nickel mine.
Except that, all the mining right for all the natural resources is in the hand of the Indonesian government. This is his opportunity to grab as much as he can especially now Soeharto already expressed his opinion.
Henry knows that the mining industry is only profitable if run for a long time and it needs a big capital to just get started. But compares to what will he get in return, it’s worth it. He did not expect to gain much money from mining as it’s too little compared to what he gets from his tech companies.
The time now is 1974, many of the biggest mine all over the world is not yet discovered and exploited or not yet have an owner. He would like to involved as early as he can so he can grab many mines that not yet exploited.
There are many advantages to him if he involved in the Mining industry. Just say an average size mine employ about 10,000 people, it means that 10,000 people rice bowl is controlled by the employer.
Imagine if he can control 10 million people rice bowl just by his mining companies, how much influence he has over the country. In short, there’s only advantage if he gets involved in the mining industry.
“I want to ask something, is there a limit how much can I invest?” Henry asked Soeharto seriously.
“What limit you are talking about, I even hope you can invest all your money.” Soeharto joked.
Henry laughs when heard Soeharto replies, since Soeharto already give the green light, don’t blame him later.
“Mining Industry, I will invest in the Mining Industry. I want to get a mining right, all of the mining rights you sell will be bought by me.” Henry directly states his intention.
Soeharto directly shocked by Henry appetite. All of the mining he sell? Even though Soeharto is a little greedy, but he knows something is wrong. So he replied, “Let me think about it first, I will give you a reply by tomorrow.”
Henry then gets up from his seat, seeing that Soeharto get up too.
“I wish you think about it carefully, Mr. President. I will agree to your price if it nothing excessive, I promise my fund will be ready at the latest 6 months later.” Henry says thoughtfully to Soeharto.
Soeharto opens the door and patted Henry back while saying, “Soetopo will deliver you back to the hotel. He will be the one that picks up you again tomorrow.”