The Archbishop Of Jakarta Ensures That KWI Does Not Apply For A Mining Business Permit

The Archbishop of Jakarta Prof. Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo accompanied by the Head of the Regional Office of the DKI Jakarta Ministry of Religion Cecep Khairul Anwar (left/leftARA)

JAKARTA - Jakarta Archbishop Prof. Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo said the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) would not apply for permits for mining businesses.

"I don't know if other mass organizations are yes, but at KWI it won't take that opportunity because it's not our area to look for mines and others," said Cardinal Suharyo after gathering at the DKI Jakarta Ministry of Religion Regional Office, Jalan DI Panjaitan, Jatinegara, East Jakarta, reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, June 5.

Cardinal Suharyo said this was in response to the Government Regulation (PP) Number 25 of 2024 which gave the opportunity for business entities belonging to religious community organizations (ormas) to manage coal mining businesses during the period 2024-2029.

PP 25 of 2024 is an amendment to Government Regulation Number 96 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Mineral and Coal Mining Business Activities.

"The service is clear, yes, KWI is not included in (mining business) like that," he said.

Previously, President Joko Widodo said that Special Mining Business Permits (IUPK) for religious organizations had strict requirements and were given to business entities or cooperatives owned by mass organizations.

"What is given is once again business entities in mass organizations, the requirements are also very strict," said President Jokowi.

The President reiterated that the IUPK was given to business entities owned by mass organizations, both in the form of cooperatives and limited companies (PT).

The President denied that the IUPK was given to the institution or community organization itself, but rather the business institution.

"Whether it is given to cooperatives in mass organizations or possibly PT and others. So the business entity is given (IUPK), not the mass organization," said the President.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) will handle technical evaluations regarding the issuance of IUPK for religious organizations, before the permit is issued by the Ministry of Investment/BKPM.

Head of the Communication, Public Information and Cooperation Service (KLIK) Bureau of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Agus Cahyono explained that there are criteria that must be met by religious mass organization business entities to get WIUPK offers and obtain mining management permits, such as financial capabilities, technical capabilities, and management capabilities.

The Special Mining Business License (WIUPK) area that will be offered to religious mass organizations will also be regulated by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

The government has also issued derivative regulations in the form of presidential regulations that regulate further provisions regarding WIUPK's priority offers to business entities belonging to religious organizations.