TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo announced the revocation of hundreds of permits for the tenure of state lands, including mining business licenses and cultivation rights (HGU) permits.

Those permits were revoked after the government evaluated the use of state lands. “We revoke permits that are not executed, not productive, transferred to other parties, and not in accordance with the land’s designations and regulations,” said the President as broadcasted on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel, Thursday, January 6.

He said that the revamping and controlling of these permits are an integral part of the improvement of mining and forestry governance, particularly on the issuance of mining and forestry permits and other licenses.

“We must hold the constitutional mandate that the earth, water, and natural resources contained therein shall be controlled by the state and used for people's maximum welfare,” he remarked.

The government would provide opportunities for equitable use of assets for productive community groups and socio-religious organizations. “These include farmers, Islamic boarding schools, and so on that can partner with credible and experienced companies,” the state head added.

Jokowi also said that Indonesia is open to credible investors who have a good track record and reputation, and are committed to contributing to the public welfare and preserving nature.

Read: Jokowi Asks CEOs to Work with Farmers for Food Imports

DEWI NURITA