House criticizes mining regulation

JAKARTA: House of Representatives Commission VIII on the environment criticized on Tuesday government regulation in lieu of law No. 1/2004 on mining in protected forests.

The commission said the regulation would only worsen the environmental damage to protected forests.

The regulation, issued on March 11 while the House was in recess, allowed 13 mining companies to resume their operations in protected forests. The companies had been forced to halt their activities after a new law was issued outlawing mining in protected forests.

The criticism was expressed during a meeting between the House commission and Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro and Minister of Forestry M. Prakosa. -- JP