Lawmaker Urges Legal Certainty for Small-Scale Mining

Palangka Raya (ANTARA) - A member of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sigit K Yunianto, is urging regional governments that host small-scale mining to promptly process and finalise various permits, in order to provide legal certainty for mining communities. “We must immediately provide legal certainty to the people who depend on small-scale mining for their livelihoods. Do not let them continue to operate in legal uncertainty,” Sigit said when contacted in Palangka Raya on Saturday. According to Sigit, small-scale mining, as a pillar of the grassroots economy, deserves clear protection and business certainty. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) politician stressed the need for a separate legal framework specifically for small-scale mining, one that is no longer mixed with regulations for large-scale mining. He argued that regulatory and supervisory authority should be granted to regional governments, both at the provincial and district or city levels. “Regulations must be simplified, not convoluted, so they are easily accessible and implementable by the community. This decentralisation of authority is important so that regions can respond more quickly to local needs,” he asserted. Furthermore, Sigit welcomed the role of the Indonesian Small-Scale Mining Association (APRI), which has been established in various regions. He expressed hope that APRI would actively support government efforts to educate miners, particularly regarding the use of chemicals while maintaining environmental sustainability. “APRI is now present across all regions; this is a significant force. APRI must help educate its members about environmentally friendly mining practices. In this way, small-scale mining can operate sustainably,” said the former chairman of the Association of Indonesian City Councils (ADEKSI) for the 2020-2025 period. The former three-term chairman of the Palangka Raya City Council added that APRI’s support is strategic because it can serve as a government partner in complementing efforts and advocating for the future of small-scale mining. The collaboration between the House of Representatives, central government, regional governments, and associations such as APRI is expected to produce policies that are pro-people while preserving nature.