The regulation follows the 2023 passage of Regional Regulation No. 5 and aims to provide a legal framework for community-based mining while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable resource use.
“Once the regulation is in place, the governor can issue legal mining permits. Currently, most mining activities are unlicensed,” Mandacan said.
The policy is part of Indonesia’s push to regulate extractive industries and was developed in line with the 2021 Papua Special Autonomy Law.
Mandacan emphasized that mining must respect environmental, social, and community welfare considerations.
The draft regulation is undergoing final review and will be followed by a public consultation.
The province also plans to identify mining areas located within protected forests or production zones. Any such areas must be reclassified as "other land use areas" before permits can be issued.
Officials say legalization is not meant to suppress indigenous communities but to ensure responsible resource management.
Manokwari District Head Hermus Indou and West Papua Police Chief Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir recently met with tribal landowners to discuss illegal mining enforcement.
“We want natural resources to benefit the people without destroying the environment,” Indou said.
Isir confirmed the police will dismantle illegal mining sites, particularly in Wasirawi Subdistrict, using a community-first approach.
“We will clear the area and set up a security post in Wariori while awaiting the issuance of legal permits,” he said.
The governor hopes the regulation will be finalized within a week, paving the way for more structured and lawful mining in the province.
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Translator: Fransiskus SW, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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