Government Cancels Mining Concession For Campus, Apebindo: Right And Sustainable Decision

JAKARTA - The government has officially canceled the policy of providing mining concessions to universities and replacing them with research and scholarship funds. This decision received full support from the Association of Indonesian Energy, Coal and Mineral Suppliers (Aspebindo).

The General Chairperson of Aspebindo Anggawira assessed that this step is in line with the principle that universities must focus on their main functions, namely education, research, and community service.

This step can also minimize the risk of irregularities, said Anggawira, managing mines is not the main task of the campus.

"Direct involvement in the mining business has the potential to cause conflicts of interest, excessive commercialization, and environmental and social risks that are difficult to control by educational institutions," he said in a press statement received on Wednesday, February 19.

With this policy, the risk of irregularities can be minimized, and the campus can continue to carry out its role without being burdened with mining operational affairs.

Focusing on HR Innovation and Development According to Aspebindo, this policy allows campuses to focus more on innovation of mining technology that is more environmentally friendly and the development of competent human resources (HR).

"Support from research and scholarship funds will encourage increased industrial efficiency and produce experts who are more prepared to compete," said Anggawira.

This is considered more relevant for sustainability

the mining sector is compared to campuses that must go down directly in industrial operations.

Supporting a healthy partnership between industry and academics, Anggawira also highlighted the importance of synergistic relations between the mining industry and the academic world.

"The mining industry can still partner with campuses through joint research, internship programs, and technology development," he said.

Anggawira continued, with this financial assistance scheme, universities can still contribute to the development of the mining sector without having to face business risks and operations directly.

According to him, efficiency in the use of mining natural resources is a sector with strict regulations and requires professional management. If managed by less experienced parties, he continued, the potential for state losses could be greater.

"With this policy, mining concessions can still be managed by more competent parties, while campuses get more optimal economic benefits through research and scholarship grants," said Anggawira.

From Aspebindo's perspective, Anggawira considers this government decision to be a strategic step that not only supports the sustainability of the mining sector, but also ensures that universities remain focused on their academic roles.

"The campus still benefits the economy, while the mining sector continues to run with more professional and efficient governance," he concluded.