Controversy Erupts Over DPR’s Decision to Grant mining permits to Universities
The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has sparked widespread debate with its decision to approve the revision of the Minerba Bill,which includes granting mining business permits (IUP) to universities. the move, proposed by the DPR’s Legislative Body (Baleg), has drawn sharp criticism from environmental activists and advocacy groups, who argue that it undermines fair natural resource management.
Aulia Hakim, founder of the Ruang Setara Project, condemned the decision, calling it a “step backwards” in resource governance.He pointed out that the government had previously granted IUPs to religious community organizations (ormas), and now extending them to universities suggests a failure to uphold the mandate of the [1945ConstitutionArticle33paragraph3[1945ConstitutionArticle33paragraph3, which emphasizes natural resource management for the welfare of the people.
“Why not grant IUP to mine workers’ unions, empower regional companies, or encourage the initiative to nationalize mining assets from the private sector?” Aulia questioned in a written statement on January 25, 2025. “If you really want fairer and more targeted mining management, it should not be religious mass organizations and universities that are given access to manage mines.”
Aulia warned that granting IUPs to universities and religious organizations could lead to bias toward elite interests. He argued that universities,already struggling with funding,would not necessarily use mining revenues to benefit the public. Rather, he urged the DPR to halt the revision of the Minerba Law and called on President Prabowo to uphold the constitutional mandate that natural resources should serve all indonesians, not just a select few.
The environmental impact of mining activities further complicates the issue. Aulia highlighted that in Central Sulawesi, 1,150 IUPs issued as of 2021 have led to deforestation and ecological disasters like floods and landslides. “The natural resources have become a source of income for elite groups, while the ecological disasters are borne by the people,” he saeid.
On the other hand, Bob Hasan, Chairman of the DPR RI Legislation Body, defended the proposal, stating it originated from the government to improve the quality of education in Indonesia.”Improving the quality of education requires quality educational facilities, places, facilities, and infrastructure,” Bob explained. “Therefore, for that budget, an prospect is given for each university to be able to manage mining. Because there is an element called business.”
Though,Alfarhat Kasman,a campaigner with the Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam),criticized the proposal as a sign of the government’s lack of commitment to academic welfare. He argued that granting mining permits would burden universities with financial responsibilities rather than addressing their core educational needs.Amid the controversy, DPR Speaker Puan Maharani emphasized that the Minerba Bill proposal followed established DPR mechanisms.She denied claims that the bill was discussed in a closed or sudden manner, stating that it had gone through leadership and consultative body meetings. Puan also pledged to ensure meaningful participation by seeking input from external stakeholders, including universities.
“Yes, that’s why we are open to receiving input from campus,” Puan said at the Senayan parliament Complex on january 24, 2025.
The debate over the Minerba Bill continues to divide opinions, with critics questioning its implications for natural resource management and environmental sustainability, while proponents argue it could boost educational funding.
| Key points of the Minerba Bill Controversy |
|———————————————–|
| Proposal: Granting mining permits to universities |
| critics: Aulia Hakim, Alfarhat Kasman |
| Concerns: Elite bias, environmental damage, financial burden on universities |
| Proponents: Bob Hasan, Puan Maharani |
| Goal: Improve education quality through mining revenues |
As the discussion unfolds, the DPR faces mounting pressure to balance economic interests with environmental and social responsibilities. For the latest updates on this developing story, click here.
controversy Erupts Over DPR’s Decision to grant Mining Permits to Universities: Expert Insights
Table of Contents
The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has stirred significant debate with its proposal to revise the Minerba Bill, which includes granting mining business permits (IUP) to universities. This move, intended to boost educational funding, has been met with criticism from environmental advocates and academics who argue it coudl lead to ecological damage and financial burdens. To better understand the implications, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com,Sarah Mitchell,sat down with Dr. Rizal Aditya, an expert in natural resource management and environmental policy, to discuss the controversy.
the Proposal and Its Critics
Sarah Mitchell: Dr. Aditya, the DPR’s proposal to grant mining permits to universities has sparked a lot of discussion. What are the main concerns raised by critics like Aulia Hakim and Alfarhat kasman?
Dr. Rizal Aditya: Critics argue that this move could lead to elite bias and undermine the constitutional mandate that natural resources should benefit all Indonesians. Aulia Hakim, for instance, questions why mining permits aren’t granted to mine workers’ unions or regional companies instead. Alfarhat Kasman highlights the potential financial burden on universities, which are already struggling with funding. They fear that this could divert universities from their core mission of education to managing mining operations,which may not necessarily benefit the public.
Sarah Mitchell: How does this proposal impact environmental sustainability and social responsibility?
Dr.rizal Aditya: The environmental risks are significant. In regions like Central Sulawesi,mining activities have already led to deforestation,floods,and landslides. Extending mining permits to universities could exacerbate these issues, especially if the institutions lack the expertise to manage such operations sustainably.Socially, there’s a risk that the benefits of mining revenues may be concentrated among a few elite groups, rather than being distributed equitably. This could further marginalize vulnerable communities who already bear the brunt of ecological disasters.
Proponents’ Outlook
Sarah Mitchell: On the other side, proponents like Bob Hasan and Puan Maharani argue that this proposal could improve educational funding. What’s your take on their arguments?
Dr. rizal Aditya: While the intention to enhance education is commendable, the approach is problematic. Bob Hasan suggests that mining revenues could fund better educational facilities, but this assumes that universities can effectively manage mining operations. Historically, universities aren’t equipped for such complex, high-risk ventures. Puan Maharani emphasizes that the proposal followed established DPR mechanisms and is open to stakeholder input. While transparency is crucial, the fundamental question remains: is this the best way to address educational funding challenges?
Balancing Economic and Environmental Interests
Sarah mitchell: How can the DPR balance economic interests with environmental and social responsibilities in this context?
Dr. Rizal Aditya: The DPR needs to adopt a more holistic approach.Instead of granting mining permits to universities, they could explore alternative funding mechanisms, such as increasing government allocations for education or encouraging partnerships with the private sector under strict regulatory oversight. Additionally, any discussion about natural resources must prioritize sustainability and equitable distribution. This means ensuring that mining activities are environmentally sound and that their benefits reach the broader population, not just a select few.
Conclusion
The debate over the Minerba Bill reflects a broader struggle to balance economic development with environmental and social welfare. While the proposal to grant mining permits to universities aims to address educational funding, it raises significant concerns about elite bias, environmental damage, and financial burdens. As Dr. Rizal Aditya highlighted, alternative solutions that prioritize sustainability and equity are essential to ensure that natural resources truly serve the welfare of all Indonesians. The DPR’s next steps will be critical in navigating this complex issue.
