NU-Muhammadiyah Become Mining Players, Vice President: Don't Break The Environment

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin gave a speech while attending the 49th MUI Anniversary in Jakarta, Friday (26/7/2024). (doc the Press Bureau of the Vice Presidential Secretariat)

JAKARTA - Vice President (Vice President) Ma'ruf Amin has no problem with granting mining business permits (IUP) for religious organizations, such as Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah.

The vice president said that the most important thing that should be a record for religious organizations in managing mines is paying attention to environmental aspects.

"Now the important thing is to realize that in mining management there are things that must be maintained, do not damage the environment," said the vice president in his statement on the HIGH Speed train, Bandung, Thursday, August 1.

Ma'ruf Amin emphasized that all rules must be obeyed by religious organizations when entering into mining players. Regarding the criticism of NU-Muhammadiyah who was given mining permits, the vice president said that criticism was reasonable if the implementation did not go well.

"Therefore, we hope that mass organizations that have taken care of, must implement it in accordance with the correct mining management regulations," explained the vice president.

Furthermore, he explained that the government also opens opportunities for other mass organizations to obtain mining business permits, with certain conditions that must be met.

However, it is impossible for all mass organizations to obtain mining business permits in Indonesia.

"Of course not all mass organizations, how many mass organizations are there? Hundreds. How many mines can be distributed. I think there may be priority based on the criteria," he said.

Previously, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that granting mining permits for religious organizations was the government's effort to support economic equity. This was conveyed by Jokowi after PP Muhammadiyah decided to receive a mining business permit, after a similar decision for NU.

"We want economic justice. Many have complained to me, 'Sir, why are the mines only given to big ones, big companies? Even if we are given concessions, that's also possible', said Jokowi, Friday, July 26.

Jokowi allows religious organizations to manage mines through Government Regulation (PP) Number 25 of 2024 concerning Amendments to Government Regulation (PP) Number 96 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Mineral and Coal Mining Business Activities.