Jakarta – Following public attention on the contribution of deforestation and environmental damage to the severity of the disasters that have occurred in recent weeks, the government has begun investigating the activities of dozens of mining companies operating in areas affected by flooding and landslides in Sumatra.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) confirmed on Friday, 5 December, that dozens of mining permit holders were operating in the area that is now the site of the disaster. Ministry spokesperson Dwi Anggia said that initial investigations had identified 23 companies holding Mining Business Permits (IUP) and Work Contracts (KK).
These companies, whose licences were issued by local governments before the change in authority through Law No. 3 of 2020 or the Mineral and Coal Law, manage various commodities, ranging from gold, iron ore and tin to copper.
“There are IUPs and KKs that were all issued between 2010 and 2020. The local government issued them. The central government took over when Law No. 3 of 2020 was enacted. Only then did the central government issue them,” he explained.
Although the permit was not issued by the central government, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources took decisive action in evaluating compliance with mining regulations. The government emphasised that it would not hesitate to impose severe sanctions if mining operations were found to be worsening environmental conditions or exacerbating the impact of disasters.
Anggia emphasised that sanctions could range from suspension to revocation of licences. “If a company engages in activities that damage the environment, it will be evaluated in accordance with applicable regulations. It may even be suspended or have its licence revoked,” she said.
The government is now continuing the process of collecting field data to ascertain whether mining activities in the region contribute to the ecological vulnerability that triggers disasters. This evaluation is part of the restructuring of national mining governance following changes to mineral and coal regulations, while also responding to public demands for accountability regarding mining permits issued before authority was transferred to the central government. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Aid distribution through an emergency bridge connecting Jorong Kayu Pasak Tengah and the Sikabau Jorong Kayu Pasak Selatan area, Nagari Salareh Aia, Palembayan Subdistrict, Agam Regency. Wednesday, 10 December 2025. Source: BNPB
