Asia Pulse reported that PT Aneka Tambang Tbk is considering joining a Northstar Pacific consortium to buy a 35% stake in thermal coal producer PT Bumi Resources Tbk.

Ms Jaya Tambunan finance director of Antam said that "We are considering buying Bumi shares from the point of commercial view but it is up to the government to decide."

Northstar is an investment company which is part of the Texas Pacific Group of the United States. It has won a purchase offer of a 35% stake in Bumi worth USD 1.3 billion, defeating other contenders San Miguel of the Philippines and the Tata Group of India.

Besides coal mining firm PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam, two other state owned enterprises, namely PT Antam Tbk and PT Timah Tbk once expressed interest in purchasing BUMI shares, but failed to reach a deal as the price offered was too high.

Mr Sofyan Djalil state enterprises minister said that the government was in principle encouraging state own enterprise to take part in the purchase of Bumi shares, but the share purchase must be adjusted to their financial capability and conducted on a business to business basis.

He added that "Only PT BA has so far submitted a plan to join the consortium. But if the others are willing to follow suit, they are welcome."