Jakarta (ANTARA) - Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that there has been no formal administrative revocation of the Martabe gold mine permit in North Sumatra.
Lahadalia made the statement on Wednesday before attending a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta. He added that the ESDM Ministry is currently conducting an in-depth review of the permit’s status.
"As of now, Martabe has been announced for revocation, but the process is being handled by the ESDM Ministry. This means that, administratively, the revocation has not yet been finalized," he explained.
Lahadalia noted that his office has received direct guidance from President Prabowo regarding the mining dispute. He emphasized that a final decision will follow a thorough review to determine if the company committed any specific violations.
He further stressed that the government will balance environmental protection with job creation and regional economic growth.
However, Lahadalia ensured that environmental protection remains a priority.
“We are conducting an in-depth investigation to ensure mining areas remain protected. If environmental violations are found, we will impose proportionate sanctions,” he said.
Conversely, he added that if no wrongdoing is proven, the government will proceed in accordance with applicable regulations.
On January 20, the Forest Area Regulation Task Force released a list of 28 companies found to have violated forest utilization regulations.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that these 28 entities include 22 holders of Forest Utilization Business Permits (PBPH) and six companies in the mining, plantation, and timber sectors.
During a limited meeting held virtually from London on January 19, President Prabowo decided to revoke the permits of these 28 companies, one of which is Agincourt Resources, for proven regulatory violations.
The President decided while chairing a limited meeting held online from London on January 19.
