DPR Cecar Bahlil Regarding Religious Ormas Gets Mining Managing Permit: Unfair

Investment Minister/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board Bahlil Lahadalia Thursday (6/6/2024). BETWEEN - Putu Indah Savitri

JAKARTA - Investment Minister/Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia was questioned by a number of members of Commission VI of the DPR regarding the provision of a Special Mining Business License (WIUPK) in a prioritized manner to religious community organizations (ormas).

Member of Commission VI of the DPR, Deddy Yevri Sitorus, assessed that the government's decision to provide religious organizations to manage mines could cause social jealousy because it seemed unfair.

"I am afraid that this will raise social jealousy," he said in a working meeting of Commission VI of the DPR with the Minister of Investment, at the DPR building, Jakarta, Tuesday, June 11.

Deddy also disagreed with the reason the government gave religious organizations to manage mining permits because they contributed to Indonesia's independence. According to him, veterans also have an important role in the Indonesian independence process.

Many other parties are fighting bloody for our republic. Where is the Legion Vetera of the Republic of Indonesia which cannot be monthly. They suffer," he said.

"No one pays attention to them. The independence that is obtained is the result of everyone's struggle, not just mass organizations," he continued.

Therefore, Deddy said, if the state wants to pay off debts for the struggle of its people to liberate Indonesia, then the government must also pay attention to the fate of the mining circle community who do not enjoy the natural results of their area. Including indigenous organizations in the regions.

"What about the old mass organizations, especially indigenous peoples and there are many traditional organizations in Kalimantan. Almost all villages have customary institutions, when can they benefit from our natural wealth," he said.

Similarly, Member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives Harris Turino requested that the government not give the IUPK free of charge to religious organizations.

"Some say mining permits should not be distributed. But it must go through an auction process. Is this rule (PP Number 25 of 2024) in accordance with the legislation and after a sense of justice?" asked Harris.

Instead of managing mines, according to Harris, what religious organizations need is a permit to establish places of worship.

There are posts on social media that say Christians don't need mining permits, but (ask) permission to set up a church. This is a painful cynicism," he said.