Mining Activities Can't Be Stopped, OIKN Admits There Are Still 60 Active Mining Permits

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) admits that it has not been able to fully stop mining activities in the Nusantara State Capital (IKN) area. This is because there are around 60 mining permits that are still active today.

Deputy for Environment and Natural Resources, IKN Authority, Myrna Safitri, said that her party was faced with a dilemma. On the one hand, these activities damage the environment. But on the other hand, the holders of these permits must still fulfill their rights.

"We also admit that there are still active permits. So, from the consolidation of data that we have carried out in the last 6 months, maybe around 60 active mining permits in the IKN area with various durations of time the permit is expired," said Myrna in the agenda of the Public Consultation. Biological Diversity Management Main Plan. The capital city of Nusantara virtually, Wednesday, December 27.

Thus, mining permits must still be continued in line with the valid duration. In anticipating current conditions, Myrna said, her party took a stand by increasing supervision of environmental obligations.

"So that the obligations of the permit holders can be completed, both in the form of reclamation and post-mining. We are also preparing reclamation guidelines. Well, it is hoped that next year the holders of active permits will also make special efforts to carry out reclamation and post-mining well," said Myrna.

Even so, Myrna guarantees that her party will not extend the mining permit or issue a new permit. This is in line with the issuance of the Circular (SE) of the Head of OIKN related to moratorium and arrangement of mining and plantation permits.

"From our unit, we have rejected the applications for extension of existing permits for this mining sector," he said.

On the same occasion, the Director of Forestry Utilization and Deputy Water Resources Development for Environment and Natural Resources of the IKN Authority Pungky Widiaryanto emphasized that his party would not extend the existing permits or grant new permits, especially in forest areas.

"Although the third party has obtained a Mining Business Permit (IUP), the approval of the Use of Forest Areas (PPKH) will not be processed. Meanwhile, (mining permits) that have been running are completed until they are over, but for extension or new permits will not be granted," he said.

The IKN Authority will take firm action against illegal mining activities. One of them, the authority has prepared a task force to control these illegal activities consisting of elements of law enforcement officers, to ministries/agencies.