KPK Opens Opportunity To Call Bahlil Lahadalia Regarding Mining Licensing In North Maluku

Head of KPK News Section Ali Fikri. BETWEEN/Fianda Sjofjan Rassat

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has the opportunity to summon the Minister of Investment and Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia regarding the nickel mining licensing process. They are still learning various information circulating. This was conveyed by KPK Deputy Chairman Alexander Marwata in response to investigative reports that Bahlil had abused his authority in revoking and reactivating mining business permits (IUP) and mining business rights (HGU). In addition, there was also a request by Member of Commission VII DPR RI Mulyanto for the anti-corruption commission to summon Bahlil. "“KPK is watching the information submitted by the public or the investigation report of Tempo magazine,” Alexander Marwata told reporters in a written statement, Monday, March 4. "We will study the information and clarify it to the parties reportedly knowing or involved in the nickel mining licensing process," he continued. Alexander ensured that this summons would not be arbitrary if it was carried out. “ KPK will coordinate with the Ministry of Investment/BKPM,” he said. Previously reported, Mulyanto asked the KPK to examine Bahlil in his capacity as Head of the Task Force for Arrangement for the Use of Land and Investment Arrangement. This request arose because he was suspected of abusing his authority. Bahlil allegedly asked for billions of rupiah in return or share participation in each company in withdrawing or issuing IUP and HGU. Thus, the anti-corruption commission needs to intervene.

Moreover, the existence of the task force is considered overlapping. “ This task should be the domain of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources because the Law and Presidential Decree regarding mining businesses is in the working area of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, not the Ministry of Investment,” Mulyanto told reporters, Monday, March 4.