Acting Governor of East Kalimantan, Akmal Malik, hopes that mining companies will manage their mining concessions well. Do not let it, said Akmal, threaten life in the future.
"Nauru, a small country in the Central Pacific, was once rich from mining. But because they didn't manage it for the future, now they're one of the poorest countries in the world," stated Akmal Malik during his visit to the Green House of PT Berau Coal on Tuesday (October 29, 2024).
The visit involved planting cocoa seedlings at the Future Development Area, known as Kembang Mapan, which spans a total of 709.9 hectares. According to Akmal, the mining practices of Berau Coal are vastly different from what occurred in Nauru during the 1980s.
Berau Coal's approach prioritizes future interests and a transition from mining to agriculture, livestock farming, and fisheries.
However, Akmal noted that progressive steps like those taken by Berau Coal are not without challenges.
Outside the mining industry, a negative stigma often associates mining with environmental destruction.
Referring to examples such as what happened in Nauru. Even though Akmal said, the facts are not like that.
Pointing to Berau Coal and other responsible mining companies actively engaged in reforestation and community development.
"We continue to take concrete actions and positive campaigns to demonstrate that mining can lead to greater prosperity for the people. Mining should lead to a better society and environment for the future," Akmal affirmed.
Berau Coal, with a concession area of 108,000 hectares and a workforce of 23,000, exemplifies sustainable development practices. Akmal hopes that Berau Coal and other companies holding IUP (Mining Business Permits) can set examples of sustainable mining practices.
Such as enhancing local food security by repurposing former mining lands to cultivate vegetables and fish, thus supporting the community without disrupting local markets.
"If companies can develop vegetable crops, livestock, and fisheries, they won’t interfere with the local market. Who knows, maybe Berau Coal's presence has even contributed to the inflation in Berau," Akmal said.
"But it requires effort. I am confident that with collaboration, everything can be achieved. This good synergy must continue," advised Akmal, who also serves as the Director General of Regional Autonomy at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
He further requested that Berau Coal continue to assist the local government in controlling inflation and building self-sufficiency. "The company should grow food for its own needs, so it doesn’t impact the local market," he emphasized.
Regarding environmental damage attributed to mining, Akmal highlighted that irresponsible parties are often at fault, particularly illegal mining operations.
"The issue is that some people want to dig but lack the resources to restore the land afterward (illegal mining)," he added.
The event concluded with the symbolic handover of 20 livable homes, provided through PT Berau Coal's CSR program, and the distribution of 180,000 cocoa seedlings for the community. The event was attended by PT Berau Coal’s Director of Operations and HSE Arief Wiedhartono, East Kalimantan’s Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development Administration Ujang Rachmad, East Kalimantan's Head of Energy and Mineral Resources Bambang Arwanto, and Acting Regent of Berau Sufian Agus.
