ESDM Prepares IPR Scheme For Illegal Gold Mining On Mount Arfak Papua

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has prepared a people's mining permit (IPR) scheme for illegal gold mining in Arfak Mountains Regency, West Papua.

Director General (Dirjen) of Mineral and Coal (Minerba) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Tri Winarno said the government is also ready to legalize this gold mine. The scheme depends on the request of the regional head.

"It's up to you, if you want to formalize it through a proposal from the Governor to the Minister to be appointed by the WPR," Tri told the media crew in Minahasa, Thursday, October 30.

Tri explained that actually the legalization of illegal mines through the IPR scheme can be done through the proposal of regional heads to the central government. Then later the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will determine whether the illegal mining area can be designated as a mining area for the people (WPR) or not.

"The minister conducted an evaluation with the Geological Agency. Later the WPR will be determined, after that the WPR management document will be prepared," continued Tri.

Previously, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that there were illegal gold mining activities in the Arfak Mountains Regency, West Papua.

"I once walked into this area (Guing Arfak) through the hills, below that the river and I know there is a river, next to it is a gold miner who I also don't know has a permit or has no permission," Bahlil said via a teleconference connection when inaugurating the Hydro Micro Power Plant (PLTMH) in Minahasa, quoted Thursday, October 30.

Bahlil then asked the Regent of Arafak Regency, Dominggus Saiba, regarding the truth of the existence of this gold mine

"In the regent's area, there is an illegal mine, right?" asked Bahlil.

Dominggus, who is located at the PLTMH location of Anggi District, Arfak Regency, confirmed that there were illegal gold mining activities in the area. According to him, illegal mining does not bring benefits to the economy. On the other hand, this illegal activity does not even contribute to Regional Original Revenue (PAD).

"We have been for 13 years, the local government hopes for transfer funds while we don't have PAD yet," he said.

For this reason, Dominggus took the initiative to meet Bahlil in the near future to discuss the legality of the mine in order to provide input for the region so that it has an impact on the people of Gunung Arfak Regency.