House criticizes mining regulation

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