Jakarta – The Indonesian government is reinforcing a holistic approach in addressing the issue of illegal mining (PETI). Moving away from reactive measures, the latest strategy emphasizes legalization through the People’s Mining Permit (IPR) scheme, digital governance, and inter-agency coordination to close legal and ecological loopholes.
This progressive step is clearly evident in North Maluku. North Maluku Police Chief Inspector General Waris Agono highlighted that the crackdown on illegal mining in South Halmahera is being directed toward legal transformation through the IPR and People’s Mining Area (WPR) approaches.
“This model provides legal economic access for communities without sacrificing forests or the sovereignty of national resources,” stressed Waris Agono.
Legal enforcement is also being reinforced at the national level. KPK Chairman Setyo Budianto shared findings regarding overlapping permits and weak financial oversight of mining businesses.
“These findings serve as a common reference point for improving governance in the mining sector,” said Setyo Budianto.
Responding to this, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni emphasized the importance of integrating IPPKH (Forest Area Borrow-Use Permit) data to better control permits in forest areas.
“Without data synchronization, manipulative practices will continue,” added Raja Juli Antoni.
These synergistic efforts are also supported by digitalization. Director General of Mineral and Coal Tri Winarno stated that the number of mining permits has been reduced from 12,500 to 4,250 that are now categorized as clear and clean.
“Platforms such as MODI and SIMBARA form the foundation for data-driven, real-time monitoring,” explained Tri Winarno.
From an investment perspective, Secretary of the Ministry of Investment/BKPM Heldy Satrya Putera conveyed that the ministry is pushing for permit validation and stronger central-regional coordination.
“Gray areas in licensing must be eliminated to ensure legal certainty for both investors and environmental protection,” concluded Heldy Satrya Putera.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Mining Experts Association (Perhapi) Sudirman Widhy praised the Bareskrim (Criminal Investigation Agency) operation in Samboja as a firm step in upholding the law.
“This proves that the state is present in protecting the environment without compromise,” said Sudirman Widhy.
Through the approaches of legalization, data transparency, and public-private collaboration, the restructuring of PETI is not only safeguarding the environment but also offering new economic hope for mining communities.
