JAKARTA - Hundreds of residents who are members of the Wawanii Movement Alliance rallied in front of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) office, Wednesday (12/11).
They demanded that the government immediately find a solution for the impact of the revocation of the nickel mining permit belonging to PT Gema Kreasi Perdana (GKP) on Wawanii Island, Konawe Islands Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.
The action coordinator, Devan, said that the cessation of GKP operations left the residents' economy paralyzed. "Since the GKP started operating, stalls, boarding houses, and small businesses grew rapidly. But after the mine stopped, many businesses closed, residents' income decreased. We came to Jakarta to seek justice," he said on the sidelines of the action.
In his statement of attitude, the masses asked the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to immediately issue a forest area loan permit (IPPKH) or a special policy so that mining activities can be continued. They assess the existence of GKP for the last five years has made a major contribution to employment and development of local infrastructure.
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The Alliance also emphasized that accelerating the licensing process is very important so that investment does not stop and people can get income again. "We just want our life to return to its original state," added Devan.
In an audience with representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry's Planological Directorate, the government explained that the revocation of the IPPKH was carried out based on the decision of the Supreme Court (MA) which granted the claim of some residents against mining activities. "The revocation of the permit was carried out in accordance with the Supreme Court's decision. The initial lawsuit was also filed by residents," said Faisal, a representative of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
However, some residents considered that the decision was actually detrimental to the community. Rio Labarase, a resident of Roko-roko Village, said that PT GKP has been active in reclamation and helping with infrastructure development such as village roads and BTS towers. "The signal and electricity only existed since the company entered. Two consecutive years GKP also received environmental awards," he said.
Until now, the government has not given a new decision regarding mining permits on Wawanii Island. Residents hope that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources together with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources can find a solution that maintains a balance between environmental sustainability and the economic sustainability of the community.
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