Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources regarding Martabe: "Not Cancelled", Mining Permits are Now Being Re-examined

Bahlil Lahadalia. (VOI/Teddy Kurniawan)

JAKARTA - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that the Martabe mining permit, which had been announced to be revoked, had not been revoked administratively. The government, he said, was conducting an in-depth study before deciding on the steps - whether sanctions were imposed or other decisions were taken in accordance with the rules.

Bahlil Lahadalia made the statement at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, February 11, when asked by reporters before a meeting with the President. He said he had discussed and asked for the President's direction, then assigned his team to conduct an in-depth study.

Bahlil emphasized two things, namely, maintaining investment stability and certainty - especially the mineral, coal, and oil and gas sectors - and ensuring that mining areas continue to have economic impact in the region, including job creation. However, he gave a clear line, if there is a violation, especially regarding the environment, sanctions will be given "proportionally".

When asked whether Martabe would be "re-given" its permit, Bahlil replied that the revocation that had been announced would indeed be carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, but until now the administration had not been revoked. "If they are found to have made a mistake, then they will still be sanctioned. But if not, we will take steps in accordance with the applicable rules. If people are not guilty, we should not give them another assessment," he said.

On the same occasion, Bahlil also responded to complaints about fuel supplies at Shell gas stations. He said RON 92, RON 95, RON 98 were available, including solar, and the B2B business process remained. Regarding the claim that the import permit had not been allowed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, he answered briefly: "Later, try to check it."

Regarding the DME project of PT Bukit Asam Tbk, Bahlil said the process was being finalized by Danantara and "almost finished."