Prabowo orders review, revocation of problematic mining permits in forest areas

By Romel S Gurky

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a comprehensive review of mining business permits (IUP) located in forest areas, including protected forests, conservation areas, and national parks.

The instruction was delivered during a government working meeting at the Presidential Palace on April 8, attended by cabinet members, senior officials, and state-owned enterprise executives.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia was tasked with conducting the evaluation.

Read also: Indonesia relaxes export licensing for mining, oil and gas

Prabowo said hundreds of mining permits in forest areas lack clarity or proper governance and should be revoked.

He instructed that permits found to be non-compliant or unclear be withdrawn without exception.

The president set a one-week deadline for the ministry to report the results of the evaluation.

The review aims to address permits that may violate governance principles and to reassess mining activities in forest areas.

Editing by Alexander Ginting