TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government is preparing six coal mining areas for religious groups. “NU, Muhammadiyah, Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Buddhist. That's about it," said Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR) Arifin Tasrif in Jakarta on Friday, June 7, 2024, as quoted by Antara.

The six special mining business permit areas or WIUPKs have previously been operated or former first-generation Coal Mining Concession Work Agreement (PKP2B).

The six WIUPKs comprised of former PKP2B land from PT Arutmin Indonesia, PT Kendilo Coal Indonesia, PT Kaltim Prima Coal, PT Adaro Energy Tbk, PT Multi Harapan Utama (MAU), and PT Kideco Jaya Agung.

Arifin explained the religious groups are given 5 years to manage the mining areas. “The permits will be void if it’s not established within five years. So, be quick and create a business entity once the permit is obtained," he said. He also stressed that said permits cannot change hands to ensure transparency.

At the end of May, President Joko Widodo or Jokowi inked Government Regulation (GR) No. 25 of 2024 concerning Amendments to GR 96/2021 on Minerba Business Activities. Article 83A of the regulation provided that religious groups such as NU and Muhammadiyah are permitted to manage mining areas.

ANTARA

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