DIGIVESTASI - The Chairman of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), Gomar Gultom, reminded religious community organizations (ormas) to remain critical after being given the opportunity to manage the country's natural resources. This statement was made in relation to the government's policy allowing religious organizations, through business entities, to obtain special mining business permits.

This is regulated in Government Regulation (PP) No. 25/2024, which is an amendment to PP No. 96/2021 on the Implementation of Mineral and Coal Mining Business Activities. The regulation was signed by President Joko Widodo on Thursday, May 30, 2024, specifically Article 83 A paragraph 1, which regulates the granting of special mining business permit areas (WIUPK) to business entities owned by religious organizations.

Gomar reminded religious organizations not to neglect their primary duty of guiding their congregations and not to become entangled in market mechanisms. "Most importantly, religious organizations must not lose their critical power and prophetic voice," he said in an official statement released by Antara on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Additionally, Gomar views the granting of WIUPK to religious organizations as a demonstration of President Jokowi's commitment to involving societal elements in managing the country's natural resources. "This also shows the President's appreciation for religious organizations that have contributed to building this nation from the beginning," he said. Gomar acknowledged that granting WIUPK is not easy to implement given the complexity of the mining world and the limitations of religious organizations. However, he believes religious organizations can manage it optimally and professionally through existing internal mechanisms.

Gomar hopes that the involvement of religious organizations in mining management can be carried out well, so it can become an example of environmentally friendly mining management in the future. For information, the offering of WIUPK to business entities of religious organizations is limited, only until May 30, 2029, or five years after PP No. 25/2024 comes into effect.

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