Gus Yahya Seeks Finance Ministry Guidance on NU Mining Cooperative

The Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) has requested guidance from Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa regarding the establishment of the Koperasi Produsen Bangkit Usaha Mandiri Nusantara (KPBUMN), a follow-up to government provisions on mining concessions for religious organisations. “We hope for guidance from the Ministry of Finance, because many matters must follow the state financial regime. We need direction from the Ministry of Finance so we do not make mistakes,” said PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf during an audience with Minister Purbaya at the PBNU Central Office in Jakarta on Wednesday. Gus Yahya, as he is familiarly known, stated that this guidance is necessary to ensure that everything PBNU does regarding the management of the mining concession is on target and in accordance with state regulations. “The most important thing from the Ministry of Finance is guidance on all of that. Meanwhile, for concrete projects, of course, we will collaborate with other ministries,” he said. Regarding the mining concession, Gus Yahya revealed that PBNU is collaborating with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to ensure smooth operations. “But to build the entire structure, especially concerning financial and funding matters, we certainly hope for guidance from the Ministry of Finance,” he continued. Gus Yahya also disclosed that his party is open to collaboration on other programmes with the Indonesian Government. “Like yesterday with the Ministry of Health, we agreed to cooperate on realising the free health check-up programme, as well as the water health and sanitation programme in Islamic boarding schools, and so on,” said Gus Yahya.