During a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) here on Wednesday, Minister Bakar informed that there are around 800 thousand hectares of ex-mining areas that need to be restored in the country.
Meanwhile, 300 thousand hectares of the areas comprise abandoned mining lands, she said, adding that most of the abandoned mining lands are located in the provinces of Bangka Belitung, East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, and Southeast Sulawesi.
"In this regard, we are working together with the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry as well. We have started this since 2017, but the discussions have not been easy. We are asking the Law and Human Rights Ministry to immediately synergize on this matter," she added.
Several issues have been faced in the restoration of former mining lands.
Bakar informed that there is a reclamation guarantee fund that must be provided by mining business license holders if they close their mining sites.
This is regulated by Government Regulation Number 78 of 2010 concerning Reclamation and Post-Mining and Ministerial Regulation Number 18 of 2008 concerning Reclamation and Closure of Mines.
She informed that the rehabilitation of the river basin area is the responsibility of the Environment and Forestry Ministry.
In addition, she said, difficulties have been faced in tracking down several mine owners whose permits were issued by local governments.
Meanwhile, the House commission urged the ministry to discuss the reclamation fund per hectare.
"We will pay attention to this and we will mention it later when discussing the regulation for environmental restoration of ex-mining mines," Bakar said in response.
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Translator: Prisca V, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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