“President Prabowo is undertaking a major overhaul. He is reassessing the nation’s resource wealth and reorganizing who should control it,” said Adib Miftahul, a policy analyst at Syekh Yusuf Islamic University (UNIS).
Speaking at a public discussion titled “One Year of Prabowo-Gibran: Are We Energy Independent?” in South Tangerang, Banten Province, on Monday, Adib said the president is initiating a full reset of Indonesia’s economic and political systems.
That reset is focused especially on the energy sector, where many projects are being re-evaluated to prevent them from falling under the control of entrenched brokers in the oil, gas, and mining industries, he said.
“As long as these brokers hold power, ministers will struggle to bring real change. That’s why the president’s clean-up efforts must be supported,” Adib said.
He noted that the recent wave of mining permit revocations and reassignments by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources reflects a stronger commitment to law enforcement.
“The issue isn’t a lack of regulation, but weak enforcement. The government’s move to tighten permits and promote smelter development is the right step,” he added.
Adib also warned that one of the government’s biggest challenges is countering misleading narratives on social media that distort public understanding of the reforms.
“The public needs clarity, not disinformation - especially during times of major transition,” he said.
President Prabowo Subianto, who took office in 2024, has pledged to end illegal mining and smuggling and ensure natural resource wealth benefits the Indonesian people.
During his visit to Pangkalpinang on Oct. 6, where he oversaw the handover of state-confiscated assets, Prabowo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cracking down on violations in the mining sector.
“We must not be afraid to eradicate smuggling, illegal mining, and all related crimes,” Prabowo said.
His visit to Bangka Belitung Province included the formal transfer of seized assets from private companies found guilty of violating mining laws in the PT Timah Tbk area.
He said he had instructed the Attorney General’s Office, Customs and Excise, and the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) to intensify their enforcement efforts against illegal tin mining and smuggling.
“I commend the Attorney General and all involved officers. This proves the government is serious about eliminating smuggling, illegal mining, and all forms of legal violations,” he added.
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Translator: Azmi SM, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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