MEMR has yet to have clear definition on mining sector moratorium

By Tri Subhki R

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) has yet to come up with a clear definition on mining sector moratorium and how to realize the plan first unveiled by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in April, according to a senior ministry official.

"We are still discussing with related ministries on the meaning of the moratorium term," Agung Pribadi, Director of Coal at the ministry?s Directorate General of Mineral and Coal said on the sidelines of Coaltrans Conference on Monday.

Jokowi announced last month plans to apply moratorium in the mining and palm oil sectors as part of efforts to help protect the environment, with some people suggesting the planned policy would only affect the issuance of new permits. Reports said in April that a presidential instruction would be issued to realize the moratorium policy.

"It is not yet clear whether the moratorium aims for new permit issuance or other things," Agung said.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Sudirman Said stated previously that a suspension in the issuance of new permits will not affect the coal sector as miners have no longer been aggressive in pursuing expansion amid the lingering coal drop.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak