Prabowo Orders Bahlil to Revoke Unclear Mining Permits in Protected Forests

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, to revoke mining business permits (IUPs) that are unclear in protected forests.

“I have ordered the Minister of ESDM; I received reports of hundreds of unclear mines or unclear IUPs in protected forests and in forests,” said Prabowo while delivering instructions to ministers, deputy ministers, agency heads, and echelon I officials in the ministries at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, on Wednesday (8/4/2026).

“So there are several hundred; the Minister of ESDM should immediately evaluate them. If unclear, revoke all those IUPs, revoke them all,” added Prabowo.

“We no longer have time to be too merciful. No mercy now. We are only defending national interests and the interests of the people,” stated Prabowo.

The former Kopassus General Commander asked his subordinates to set aside the interests of friends and colleagues.

“Interests of friends, interests of mates, interests of family, interests of groups, what number are they, Sir? Evaluate immediately,” Prabowo firmly stated.

“How many days to report back to me?” asked Prabowo.

“Two weeks I will report (to you),” replied Bahlil.

Hearing Bahlil’s response, Prabowo was not satisfied. He asked Bahlil to resolve it within a one-week timeframe.

“Two weeks? Easy, two weeks. One week,” requested Prabowo.

“Ready, ready,” replied Bahlil.

“We revoke all IUPs. Principles that are not right, we revoke. They must be in the hands of the state and we can then strengthen our institutions and agencies,” emphasised Prabowo.