Adendum AMDAL DPM Becomes a Solution, Observer: KLH Approval Becomes the Basis of Operation

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - Mining and energy observer, Ferdy Hasiman, assessed that the submission of a new Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL) Addendum by PT Dairi Prima Mineral (DPM) was a reasonable step in the licensing process for mining activities. According to him, the change in the AMDAL document is actually a solution to various objections that have emerged regarding the planned construction of a tailing dam or Tailing Storage Facility (TSF).

Ferdy explained that the previous AMDAL addendum was much questioned because it still relied on the use of tailing dams which were feared to have the potential to cause environmental pollution. In the latest AMDAL Addendum document, he said, the DPM proposed a more environmentally friendly mining method through backfilling techniques, so that the use of TSF was eliminated.

"It is a natural thing to have an adendum AMDAL submission by a mining company, as was done by PT Dairi Prima Mineral. If the new AMDAL adendum includes mining techniques that are more environmentally friendly and safe, such as sulfur flotation, backfilling, and removing the use of TSF or tailing dams, then approved by the Ministry of Environment, then the DPM should be able to operate," said Ferdy to the media, Wednesday, July 1.

Because of using this backfilling method, the Company has changed their processing design by adding a processing process for sulfur. So the tailings are processed again to extract the sulfur before being used as backfilling material. It is this tailing residue that will be mixed with cement and other rocks for backfilling material.

According to him, the approval of the AMDAL addendum from the Ministry of Environment (KLH) has very strong legal force, because it is issued by the government authority at the ministerial level.

In addition, DPM has also carried out a Hazardous and Toxic Materials (B3) Study which includes a comprehensive evaluation of the characteristics, potential hazards, and management of B3. And according to the Technical Agreement for the accumulation of B3 Waste, DPM is obliged to conduct a more rigorous study and continuous assistance to ensure safe backfilling materials. This process does not end here because they must also obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Operation (SLO) for backfilling operations. This step is taken, so that the implementation of DPM operations runs in accordance with the applicable rules and has a positive impact on the community and the environment.

"If the new AMDAL Adendum has been received by the KLH, then legally it is valid. Thus, the DPM can carry out its operational activities. Then, in addition, the DPM has also carried out the B3 study," he said.

Photo: Special

Ferdy also assessed that the main problem that has hampered the operation of the DPM is the existence of a tailing dam. Therefore, the removal of this facility through a change in waste management methods is considered capable of addressing public concerns.

"So far, what has been of concern to the public is the tailing dam because it is feared to cause environmental pollution. If the dam is removed, then it is a good development for the DPM," he said.

He continued, if the KLH has issued the approval of the AMDAL Addendum, then the company has a legal basis to start operating.

"If KLH provides a new AMDAL addendum to PT DPM, then the company can run and operate. That is the function of the permit from KLH as an authority that has the highest authority in issuing AMDAL," explained Ferdy.

Adendum AMDAL DPM Made by Involving the Community

The Pakpak Dairi Ulayat Rights Holders Communication Forum (FKPHUPD) visited the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) to submit an official letter regarding the AMDAL addendum process of PT DPM. They asked the Ombudsman to hear directly the views of the Dairi community and not only refer to the narratives circulating in the public space.

Chairman of the FKPHUPD Harian, Aslim Padang said that their arrival was aimed at ensuring that the Ombudsman obtained direct information from the public who followed the process of preparing the AMDAL addendum.

"We came directly because we want the Ombudsman to hear the voices of the Dairi people who participated in the public consultation and socialization of the AMDAL addendum. We submitted this letter ourselves as a form of our responsibility to convey the facts," said Aslim.

He also denied allegations that the AMDAL adendum of PT DPM was drafted without involving the community.

"There are many accusations that say the AMDAL addendum is processed in a closed manner. According to us, it is not true," he said.

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In the letter, FKPHUPD explained that the public and various stakeholders had been involved since the preparation to the discussion of the AMDAL addendum. They exemplified public consultations on November 27, 2025 in Berastagi which were attended by affected people, customary figures, local governments, academics, civil society organizations, to groups with different views. After the environmental approval was issued, socialization was carried out again on June 5-6, 2026.

Aslim emphasized that their move was not to silence criticism, but to straighten out information that was considered not in accordance with the facts.

"Please criticize the AMDAL, it's everyone's right. But don't convey it as if the community had never been involved. We are here, we are involved, and we know the process. That's why we feel the need to convey this fact directly to the Ombudsman," he said.