The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Partners with Academics to Conduct a Study on the Governance of the Gunung Botak Block WIUP

Mine (Photo: dok Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has partnered with the rector and academic staff of Pattimura University to formulate future policy directions in the management of the Gunung Botak Block mining business, Buru Regency, Maluku Province.

Director General of Law Enforcement, Jeffri Huwae, explained that this academic study is expected to be a useful scientific support for the formulation of the policy of the Maluku Provincial Government.

"The hope is that the harmonization of the roles of Higher Education Institutions and Regional Governments can synergize so that the governance of the Gunung Botak mining business can benefit the community without causing negative impacts," said Jeffri, quoted Thursday, June 25.

Jeffri said that the current management of the Gunung Botak Block mining business is faced with complex governance challenges. Mining operations in the upstream area are currently managed by several holders of People's Mining Permits (IPR) with limited production capacity and are highly dependent on other parties who have capital strength and mastery of processing and refining technology. This is contrary to the principles of people's mine management and is very vulnerable to safety risks and environmental pollution.

"In addition, strengthening the control of the Regional Government over people's mining activities is important to ensure that the utilization of mineral resources can provide optimal benefits for the welfare of local communities, while minimizing the risks of environmental management and recovery," added Jeffri.

Jeffri also emphasized that the academic approach based on scientific studies as a manifestation of the Central Government's commitment to upholding good mining governance (Good Mining Practice). The goal is to map the potential impacts of legal, technical operational, commercial, social and cultural resilience, to environmental sustainability in the region.

Botak Mountain is a national strategic asset that must provide real benefits to the people of Maluku. Therefore, future policy choices must be based on careful consideration to minimize losses in state revenue, environmental sustainability risks and social stability.

"The input, ideas, and critical examination presented by the academics of Pattimura University will be directly integrated as the main substance in the preparation of the Botak Mountain Mining Business Management Effectiveness Study document," explained Jeffri.

Jeffri also hopes that collaboration can become a scientific reference for decision-making at the central government level to realize fair, legal and prosperous mining governance in the long term.