Banda Aceh, October 29 — Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, together with the PWYP Sumatra Regional Coalition, held an audience with the Aceh House of Representatives (DPRA) to discuss the direction of mining sector governance in Aceh. The meeting was warm and open, led by the DPRA Vice Chairman, and attended by civil society organizations, including Gerak Aceh as part of the coalition.
Aceh is currently at a critical juncture. With the Governor’s Instruction on a moratorium for mining permits, the Aceh DPR and civil society have an opportunity to reorganize the mining sector to make it fairer and more aligned with community interests. Coalition data shows that out of 64 recorded Mining Business Permits (IUP), only 8 are active. The rest are non-operational and potentially just “paper permits.”
Fernan Putra from Gerak Aceh (PWYP Sumatra Regional Coalition) stated, “The moratorium should not just be a pause on permits, but an entry point for a comprehensive evaluation. Mining permits shouldn’t become mere business portfolios, and mining must provide real benefits to the people of Aceh.” The coalition also highlighted the importance of law enforcement against illegal mining and the need for synchronized oversight with national law enforcement agencies, given that Aceh is one of the regions with significant coal reserves in Sumatra.
Community Mining, But with Strong Standards
During the discussion, the Aceh DPR expressed interest in promoting the development of Community Mining Permits (IPR) as a step toward empowering local communities in managing natural resources. PWYP Indonesia welcomed this direction but provided important notes to ensure IPR management isn’t granted permits without clear governance.
Meliana Lumbantoruan, Deputy Director of PWYP Indonesia, emphasized on the occasion that IPR must serve as a space for community empowerment, not a new loophole for certain parties to exploit under the guise of “community.” “If Aceh focuses on IPR, ensure standards for governance are strong in terms of environment, occupational safety, and production processes. IPR must truly strengthen local communities, not just grant permits and leave them unattended.”
Meliana also stressed the importance of maintaining integrity in the mining permit reorganization process: “The permit reorganization team must be truly free from intervention. When reorganization begins, there will certainly be parties who feel disrupted. That’s why the team’s integrity is key.” She affirmed that PWYP Indonesia supports Aceh’s aspirations to ensure mining benefits the people of Aceh.
DPRA Open to Collaboration on Permit Reviews
The DPRA Vice Chairman positively welcomed the input from the civil society coalition. The DPRA affirmed its commitment to strengthening mining oversight, including continuing the work of the Mining Special Committee, which has so far had a positive impact in ensuring mining company compliance in Aceh. “If collaboration with civil society is needed for permit reviews or mining oversight, the DPRA is open to working together,” said the DPRA Vice Chairman. This statement is a strong signal that the mining reorganization process in Aceh is not just a government agenda, but a collaborative effort between the government, civil society, and the public.
This audience marks a strategic step toward more transparent, fair, and welfare-oriented natural resource governance. PWYP Indonesia and the Sumatra Coalition reaffirm their commitment to seriously monitor the mining reorganization process in Aceh, including ensuring that permit evaluations are conducted openly and accountably. The coalition also emphasizes the importance of implementing Community Mining Permits (IPR) that not only provide space for community involvement but also adhere to principles of sustainability, as well as environmental and safety standards.
Additionally, this monitoring includes pushing for every mining policy in Aceh to be free from intervention and corrupt practices. With good collaboration between local government and civil society, Aceh has a great opportunity to become an example for other regions in managing the mining sector based on principles of justice, sustainability, and community sovereignty over its natural resources.
Writer: Meliana Lumbantoruan