BKPM Revokes PT Kristalin Ekalestari’s Mining Permit in Papua
The government has revoked the Production Operation Mining Business Licence (IUP) of PT Kristalin Ekalestari (KEL) after a field inspection found mining activity in a forest area without approval for the use of forest land. The decision, issued by Rosan Roeslani on 12 October 2026, applies to the company’s concession in Nabire Regency, Central Papua, according to Detik Finance.
The revocation is set out in Decision No. 20261012-01-0001. It annuls the Papua provincial Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office Head’s Decision No. 112/IUP-OPEMAS/DPMPTSP/2020, which granted a production-operation licence for metallic gold and associated minerals.
Under the decision, PT Kristalin Ekalestari’s entire 3,500-hectare Mining Business Permit Area (WIUP) will revert to the control of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in accordance with the laws and regulations. The company must also fulfil any outstanding obligations.
Rosan Roeslani, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), issued the decision on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). In a written statement on Friday (23 October 2026), he stressed that investment activities must comply with applicable laws.
“The government continues to welcome high-quality and sustainable investment. However, compliance with the law is absolute and non-negotiable. Every mining business in Indonesia must operate within the law, hold valid environmental and forestry approvals, and respect the boundaries of its designated concession,” Rosan said.
The decision followed a request from the ESDM Minister, set out in letter No. T-356/MB.04/MEM.B/2026 dated 9 October 2026. That request referred to a recommendation from the Defence Minister, in his capacity as head of the PKH Task Force Steering Committee, in letter No. R-2070/PKH-RAH/08/2026 dated 31 August 2026.
The PKH Task Force’s field inspection in Nabire found that PT Kristalin Ekalestari had cleared land for mining within a forest area without Approval for the Use of Forest Areas (PPKH). The findings covered activities both inside and outside the company’s licensed area.
In addition to losing its concession, PT Kristalin Ekalestari must settle all outstanding obligations. It must also resolve any liabilities related to customs facilities for imported equipment or machinery, if applicable, and meet its employment obligations in accordance with regulations.
The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM will coordinate with relevant technical ministries, the PKH Task Force and law enforcement agencies to oversee the implementation of risk-based business licensing. The government said the action forms part of efforts to ensure legal certainty, sound natural-resource governance and compliance with environmental regulations.