West Java authorities to issue bylaw on mining

BANDUNG (JP): In a bid to curb environmental damage, the West Java administration is expected to issue on Monday a bylaw to manage mining in the province.

"We have to reduce the level of environmental damage in West Java due to uncontrolled mining operations," said legislator Yudi Widiana Adia, a member of the provincial council's special committee that deliberated the draft on mining management.

The regulation is expected to become effective on Monday after receiving the approval of West Java Governor Nuriana.

The regulation comprising 35 articles contains two salient points: the criteria for businessmen in obtaining a mining license and the size of the mining area which can be accorded.

The limit for exploring mining in an offshore area is expected to be set at 10,000 hectares, while on land it will be 5,000 hectares.

Mining companies who wish to receive licenses are also required to have an ISO 14000.

"Thus far the quality of mining products from West Java has been poor because the mining standards have been poor," he said.

The new law is expected to also stipulate that licenses cannot be transferred except to the direct heirs of the permit holder.

Certain "conservation" areas are also expected to be named in the bylaw.

In the past, mining licenses could be obtained from the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Jakarta.

The provincial administration and the council however believes that the "centralistic manner" by which these licenses are obtained does not take into consideration the environmental exploitation and damage felt by locals.

Yudi pointed to the northern coastal area in West Java which has been severely damaged by sand quarrying.

"We also see that the gold mining areas in Cikotok were just left deserted after the gold had been exhausted. A similar case occurred at Pongkor gold mine in Bogor," he said.

"It has even caused conflict between the miners and local residents," Yudi said.

Yudi admitted that the decision made by the administration and the council to issue the regulation was not popular with the mining business community.

However he stressed that the rehabilitation of the environment should be a priority.

"We are not looking at merely getting profits from the mining sector, but our concern is that it should also contribute to the preservation of the ecosystem," he said.

Violation of the bylaw will carry a minimum punishment of three-months imprisonment or a Rp 15 million (US$1.363) fine.

West Java is known for its potential in sand quarrying and gold mines. Recently the local mine agency claimed it had discovered titanium in South Sukabumi. (25/emf)