Megawati Slams Indonesian Govt Mining Concession Move

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The General Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) and former Indonesian president Megawati Soekarnoputri criticized the government’s problematic move to grant mining business licenses to civil and religious organizations. Megawati said the mining concession issue caused the government to lose focus on the looming food crisis. 

"Everyone is busy with the mine, and to that I say; eat those mining concessions. If there’s no rice left, what are you gonna do?” she said while attending the National Working Conference of the Perindo Party at the iNews Tower, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

The fifth Indonesian president urged the government to pay close attention to the potential for a future food crisis in Indonesia. She said steps taken by other countries to tackle the food crisis will also affect Indonesia which still relies on food imports.

"Rice exporters are also nervous now. So, they are likely to overcome (the food crisis) by allocating the rice for themselves,” she said. "Where are we going to look for rice (if that happens)?” 

Not stopping there, Megawati reminded the Indonesian people to be vigilant and look for rice alternatives to face the possible food crisis.

"Don’t even think of importing (food) since it's closed,” she said.

Previously, the government issued a policy to grant mining permits to religious organizations. Two of Indonesia’s biggest Islamic organizations, namely the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) and the Muhammadiyah Central Board, have announced their respective acceptance of the concession.

SAVERO ARISTIA WIENANTO

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