Jakarta,- Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that the central management body of Muhammadiyah (Pengurus Pusat Muhammadiyah) has submitted a request for a new Special Mining Business Permit Area (WIUPK) outside the former areas of coal mining cooperation agreements (PKP2B) held by PT Arutmin Indonesia and PT Adaro Energy Tbk (ADRO).

However, Bahlil did not disclose further details regarding the specific WIUPK being sought by Muhammadiyah's business entity.

"The [WIUPK] areas being prepared are between Arutmin and Adaro, but there's also a request for a different location," Bahlil mentioned when met at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

As a result, Bahlil noted that the government is currently considering the WIUPK proposal, which involves an area previously under PKP2B that is being sought by Muhammadiyah.

"We are still considering it. They requested an area near Arutmin and Adaro, but we're also looking at another location to offer," he added.

License for PP Persis

In addition to Muhammadiyah, Bahlil also stated that the government is processing a WIUPK management request from the central management body of the Islamic Unity (Pengurus Pusat Persatuan Islam or PP Persis). He mentioned that communication has already taken place with the responsible party from PP Persis.

"We will grant it; it's currently in progress. The person in charge from Persis called me recently," he said.

Meanwhile, Bahlil confirmed that the central management body of Nahdlatul Ulama (Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama or PBNU) is set to receive a WIUPK from the former PKP2B area of PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC).

It should be noted that the government has prepared six WIUPK areas, which are former PKP2B regions, to be allocated to religious-based community organizations (ormas).

The six former PKP2B areas include land previously owned by PT Arutmin Indonesia, PT Kendilo Coal Indonesia, PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC), PT Adaro Energy Tbk (ADRO), PT Multi Harapan Utama (MAU), and PT Kideco Jaya Agung.