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Another Muslim group declares interest in mining concessions
In contrast to their Islamic counterparts of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Mosque Youth Communication Forum (BKPRMI), which have declared their interest in managing coal mining concessions from the government, the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) and the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) have stood fast in rejecting the policy, citing the environmental and social impacts of the extractive industry.
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Protesters hold posters read “Dipisahkan Qunut, Disatukan Tambang“ (Separated by Qunut [prayer], United by Mining) during a protest against Islamic group Muhammadiyah's decision to accept the government's offer on coal mining concessions in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on July 27, 2024. (Antara/Hendra Nurdiyansyah)
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nother Islamic group conveyed its interest to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in following the country’s two largest Muslim groups, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, to manage state-owned coal mining concessions.
The Indonesian Mosque Youth Communication Forum (BKPRMI), came to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday to invite the President to its national meeting in Medan, North Sumatra, from Aug. 7 to 10.
Aside from extending the invitation, officials of the forum said they wanted to convey their appreciation for the policy by Jokowi's administration, issued in late May, that allows business entities owned by religious organizations to obtain special mining license areas (WIUPK).
“We hope that the mining concession can be beneficial, especially for the NU and Muhammadiyah. We’re certain that it will be useful,” BKPRMI chair Said Aldi Al Idrus said on Wednesday following a meeting with the President, as quoted by kompas.com.
The government previously said the permits would not automatically be disbursed to religious groups, as they would still need to apply in an open bid to obtain one. However, the policy stipulated that the process could be expedited for business firms affiliated with or owned by religious groups.
The NU was the first religious group to convey its interest in managing coal mining concessions as stipulated in the policy. After initially rejecting the contentious policy, Muhammadiyah, a major Muslim group known for its environmentalist stances, followed suit after its central board announced on July 28 its readiness to operate such mines if it received permits from the government.
Read also: Muhammadiyah welcomes mining permit policy, sparking grassroots backlash
