Gorontalo Government clarifies mining permit revocation authority

The Gorontalo Provincial Government has clarified allegations regarding a purported promise by the Governor to close local mining companies. Addressing claims made by Fahrul Wahidji of the Anti-Corruption Eradication Front Alliance, officials stated that the Governor, Gusnar Ismail, has already met with representatives to discuss the status of PT Celebes Bone Minerals (CBM) and PT Bumi Perkasa Nusantara Gorontalo (BPNG).

Governor Ismail emphasized that he lacks the legal authority to unilaterally revoke mineral metal mining business licenses (IUP). Under Law Number 3 of 2020 and Government Regulation Number 55 of 2022, the authority for managing, licensing, and revoking such permits has shifted entirely to the Central Government. The Governor noted that attempting to revoke these licenses would exceed his legal jurisdiction and could result in criminal charges.

As a resolution, the provincial government intends to propose the revocation of these permits through the proper administrative hierarchy, starting from the Regent level and moving up to the relevant central ministry. Regarding PT CBM, officials noted that while the company has previously faced temporary suspensions from local and provincial governments, such actions do not automatically nullify existing legal permits.