Indonesia revokes PT Kristalin Ekalestari gold mining permit in Papua

The Indonesian government has officially revoked the gold mining production permit (IUP) of PT Kristalin Ekalestari in Nabire, Central Papua. The decision, issued by the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM, follows a field verification by the Forest Area Order Task Force (Satgas PKH).

Investigations revealed that the company conducted mining activities within forest areas without obtaining the required Forest Area Utilization Approval (PPKH). These activities were found both inside and outside the company's designated permit area. Additionally, the company reportedly failed to fulfill obligations regarding reclamation guarantees to mitigate environmental damage.

The revocation returns 3,500 hectares of mining concessions to the state. The government has designated the state-owned enterprise PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM) to manage the area. Officials expressed the hope that ANTAM will act as both an investor and an operator to ensure the resources are managed directly by the state for the benefit of local communities.