"There was a Supreme Court decision that upheld the community's lawsuit to revoke the PPKH Decree," Director General of Forestry Planning Ade Triaji Kusumah noted in an official statement in Jakarta, Tuesday.
He explained that the process of obtaining mining licenses in forest areas is a downstream stage, which can only proceed after the permit holder fulfills various initial requirements from related technical institutions.
The PPKH is only granted after obtaining a Mining Business License (IUP) from the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry of the regional government through the ESDM Service.
The PPKH also requires a recommendation from the regional head (governor, district head, or mayor), as well as an environmental permit from the Environment Ministry or the relevant regional environmental agency.
"If all these requirements are met, then the Forestry Ministry will grant the forest area utilization approvals," he remarked.
Kusumah explained that the approval comes with technical obligations, including establishing the boundaries of the activity location so as not to exceed the permitted area as well as preparing and implementing a Work Area Arrangement (PAK).
Permit holders are also required to carry out post-mining reclamation, the funds for which are secured through a Reclamation Guarantee at the ESDM Ministry.
They are also obligated to conduct River Basin Rehabilitation (DAS) and make payments of Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) to the forestry sector, Kusumah stated.
"However, since the main permit from the mining sector has been revoked, the Forest Area Utilization Approval is automatically also terminated, in accordance with the applicable legality principles," he elaborated.
Regarding the community protest on Wawonii Island, he stated that such a demonstration is a legitimate form of public oversight, especially in cases of violations of territorial boundaries, incomplete permits, or non-compliance with provisions.
Kusumah also encouraged the public to coordinate with forestry law enforcement officers or local officers (police or prosecutors) who are members of the Forest Area Order Task Force.
"With this revocation, the Forestry Ministry confirms its commitment to protecting forest areas, enforcing the law, and providing accountable and law-based licensing services," Kusumah stated.
"Efforts to regulate forest areas will continue to be carried out as part of the agenda for improving national natural resource governance," he added.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur Zhafira, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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