TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Central Board of Muhammadiyah, a major Islamic non-governmental organization in Indonesia, stated that they had decided to take the mining business license or IUP the government offered to religious organizations.

"It was decided in a plenary meeting," said Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board, Anwar Abbas, to Tempo on a phone call on Wednesday evening, July 24, 2024.

Anwar said Muhammadiyah highlighted environmental protection while agreeing to accept the mining concession. "I know Muhammadiyah accepts the concession, but please minimize environmental problems," he said.

Apart from protecting the environment, Muhammadiyah must also maintain good relations with residents affected by mining activities. However, Anwar urged local residents to avoid prioritizing emotions. “It’s been calculated,” he added.

Anwar explained that the plenary meeting took place a couple of weeks ago. Previously, PP Muhammadiyah said it would slate the plenary meeting on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

The plenary meeting reviewed government policy regarding mining permits for religious organizations. This included discussing the next step to take if the government offers the business permit to Muhammadiyah. "Muhammadiyah is ready to accept and manage the mine," he said.

Previously, President Joko Widodo or Jokowi had approved the granting of Special Mining Business Permit Areas (WIUPK) to religious mass organizations. This policy is contained in Government Regulation Number 96 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Mineral and Coal Mining Business Activities.

The government has also issued Government Regulation Number 25 of 2024 which allows mass organizations to manage mining businesses. This was followed by Presidential Regulation Number 76 of 2024, which Jokowi signed on Monday, July 22.

IKHSAN RELIUBUN

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