KORANNTB.com – The issue of People’s Mining Permits (IPR) in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has recently escalated, sparking debates between those who support community mining and those who oppose it.
The West Nusa Tenggara branch of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI NTB), which from the beginning has consistently rejected the legalization of illegal mining into IPR, is now urging a moratorium on mining permits in NTB.
Amri Nuryadin, Head of WALHI NTB and also a member of Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, called on the government to impose the moratorium.
“We are pushing for a moratorium on mining permits in NTB,” he said on Friday, September 5, 2025.
For context, Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia is a civil society coalition that advocates for democratic and inclusive governance in the energy and natural resources sector to advance social and ecological justice. It was established in 2007 and officially registered as a legal entity in Indonesia in 2012.
In addition, WALHI is urging the government to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all mining permits, both Special Mining Business Permits (IUPK) and IPR.
“We are also calling for a thorough evaluation of all mining business permits, both IUPK and IPR,” Amri added.
WALHI also pressed law enforcement agencies (APH) in NTB not to act selectively in cracking down on illegal mining and to refrain from interfering in community mining affairs.
“We are urging law enforcement not to act selectively in handling illegal mining and not to interfere in IPR matters,” he said.
Preparing to Sue
Amri emphasized that WALHI NTB has legal standing to file lawsuits against the IPR process, as guaranteed under the Environmental Protection and Management Law (PPLH).
“We have legal standing under the PPLH Law, since these activities and businesses affect the environment. If we find indications, we will act,” he explained.
He went on to say that mining activities, from exploration to production—especially gold, which is classified as a Class A mineral—are subject to strict regulations. Mining projects must undergo feasibility studies and approval of Work Plans and Budgets (RKAB). Without this, projects could easily lead to corruption cases, as seen recently in Indonesia.
Amri also highlighted the importance of ensuring post-mining reclamation.
“Post-mining impacts must be calculated, including the extent of damage. Since destruction is inevitable, reclamation is crucial,” he said.
According to him, despite the many mining operations in NTB, not a single company has carried out post-mining reclamation properly.
“And now they suddenly want to allocate 60 sites for IPR? That’s the same as planting new disaster hotspots in the middle of communities,” he stressed.
Source: Koran NTB