Prabowo Wants Bahlil to Work Faster on Revoking Forest Mining Permits: Two Weeks is Too Easy

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto rejected the request for a two-week period from the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, to revoke all problematic Mining Business Permits (IUPs) in protected forests, deeming two weeks too long.

“How many days until you report back to me?” Prabowo asked Bahlil during a cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4/2026).

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

“Two weeks? Too easy with two weeks. One week,” Prabowo requested.

“Ready, ready,” Bahlil responded.

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

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

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

“We no longer have time to be too sympathetic. No sympathy now, yes. We only defend national interests and the interests of the people,” Prabowo said.

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, Sir? Immediate evaluation,” Prabowo firmly stated.