Regional autonomy to be implemented gradually: Minister

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Tuesday the government would transfer the rights of licensing and managing mining resources to the regions in January next year in line with the implementation of the autonomy law.

He noted however the government would not fully transfer the rights until the regions were well prepared to exercise the rights.

"The transfer of the mining rights will be conducted gradually," Purnomo said during a coffee morning with mining investors.

"I have asked Pak Ryaas Rasjid (former State Minister of Regional Autonomy) 'How long does it take to implement the autonomy law'. He said 'Pak Purnomo, it takes probably ten years before it is really in full implementation. It takes time," Purnomo added.

Purnomo made the statement in response to the worries on the part of mining investors that the implementation of the autonomy law would trouble their activities, citing among others that the regions lacked human resources who understand mining business and regulations.

Purnomo called on the mining investors not too much worry about the implementation of the autonomy law.

He said the ministry would prepare its skilled resources to assist the regions in managing the mining resources. (godang)