Ichsan Ali, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has signed a regulation permitting religious organizations to manage state-owned mining areas.
Regulation number 25/2024 on mineral and coal mining business grants religious organizations the ability to obtain special licenses for mining concessions.
"In order to enhance the people's welfare, the special mining business licenses can be prioritized for a business entity owned by a religious organization," reads Article 83A of the regulation. The religious organization must hold a controlling stake in the business entity to be eligible for the license.
The license is non-transferable without approval from the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Additionally, the license holder is prohibited from collaborating with the previous license holder of the same mining areas or its affiliates.