Dewi Nurita, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo announced the government has revoked the mining business permits (IUP) of 2,078 mineral and coal mining companies today, January 6.

"Today, as many as 2,078 permits of mining firms have been revoked," said the President as broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel, Thursday.

He explained the decision of the permit revocation was taken as the companies never submitted their work plan.

"The permits have been given for years, but have not been implemented that holds back the use of natural resources for the welfare of the people," he added.

Additionally, the government lifted 192 permits in the forestry business sector covering an area of 3,126,439 hectares. "Permits were revoked because they were inactive, did not make a work plan and [the lands] were neglected," the head of state said.

The government also canceled the cultivation rights (HGU) permit for plantations that were abandoned covering an area of 34,448 hectares.

"[Of the figure,] 25,128 hectares belong to 12 legal entities, while the remaining 9,320 hectares are part of abandoned HGU belonging to 24 legal entities," Jokowi detailed.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1547186/jokowi-revokes-2078-mineral-coal-mining-permits-toda