RKAB Application Becomes Once A Year, IMA: Yes We Will

Mine (Photo: dock. SBS)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Mining Association (IMA) responded to the government's plan to return the validity period of the Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) for mineral and coal mining companies from the previous 3 years to 1 year.

IMA Executive Director Hendra Sinadia said his party welcomed government policies. In fact, he said, the two options have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, according to him, the decisions that have been taken by the government have gone through a series of studies.

"We respect the government. So if that is what the government considers a process whose implementation is guaranteed to be better, we will join," Hendra told the media crew, Wednesday, July 23.

Hendra further said that the application for RKAB to once a year will not affect the mining company's business. On the other hand, the option once a year has been implemented before being changed to every year.

"I say that both options are going well, yes, either 3 years or 1 year. Before the 3 years are enforced, it's only 1 year, 1 year, so we'll just come along," said Hendra.

Hendra also noted that the implementation of the RKAB every year could result in the accumulation of RKAB queues for mineral and coal mining companies. For this reason, he hopes that ESDM has prepared this rule well so as not to hinder the submission process.

"So by changing it to 1 year, it is hoped that the government will be able to map and take steps to improve. So that when it goes normally for 1 year, the issues that were previously resolved should have been resolved," he explained.

For information, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is determined to apply for a Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) to once a year. This new policy begins by requiring all mining companies to start reporting RKAB in October.

Director General of Mineral and Coal (Minerba) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Tri Winarno said this policy still applies to companies that have obtained RKAB blessing for the next three years. Thus, all companies are required to apply for a new RKAB for 2026.

"Later on October, continue again. Another birthday for 2026," said Tri, quoted on Wednesday, July 23.