West Java authorities to issue bylaw on mining
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)