Indonesia
Energy minister Bahlil Lahadalia insists that cooperatives and religious will remain eligible for priority mining licenses after the Constitutional Court struck down direct appointments, pledging to introduce new implementing regulations accordingly to ensure transparent vetting.
Piles of coal are seen on barges on Aug. 16, 2022, in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. (AFP/Adek Berry)
President Prabowo Subianto’s administration will introduce new regulations to establish transparent procedures for granting priority mining permits to cooperatives and religious organizations, after the Constitutional Court ruled that the government cannot directly appoint recipients.Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia revealed the plan on Monday, saying either a ministerial regulation or a ministerial decree would be issued to create a selection mechanism for priority mining business license area (WIUP) recipients.
“The priority [mechanism] will remain in place. But the court stated that there must be clear mechanisms and regulations in place. We believe the court’s decision is a positive step because we also want the entire process to be conducted transparently,” Bahlil said.
