IPB Professor urges BPK to evaluate Ministry of Forestry WTP status

Prof. Dwi Andreas Santosa, a professor at IPB University, has called on the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK) to evaluate or potentially revoke the Unqualified Opinion (WTP) granted to the Ministry of Forestry. This demand follows concerns regarding an estimated Rp104.43 trillion in potential state revenue from administrative fines related to mining activities in forest areas conducted without Forest Area Utilization Approval (PPKH).

The estimated fines are based on the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Decision No. 391.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2025, covering approximately 67,125.41 hectares. This figure involves 569 Mining Business License (IUP) decisions held by 480 permit holders. Prof. Santosa emphasized that BPK must remain objective and explain how these significant potential revenues were considered in the Ministry of Forestry's 2025 financial report audit to ensure there are no material misstatements or inadequate disclosures.