Jakarta, - The Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) ensures that the coal Mining Business Licence (IUP) in East Kalimantan granted by the government has been issued. PBNU targets the initial work to begin in January 2025.

This was conveyed by PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf after meeting with President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (22/8).

‘The location is in East Kalimantan, former KPC (Kaltim Prima Coal) relinquish from KPC. The area is 26 thousand hectares,’ said Gus Yahya.

Gus Yahya said that although only part of the production had been explored on the land, mining had actually started. PBNU also targets production on the mining land to be carried out as soon as possible.

However, when asked how much the production potential is or related to downstreaming, Gus Yahya admitted that he did not know yet. According to him, PBNU needs to conduct further research.

‘We would like to thank the president for granting the concession until the issuance of the IUP. So now we are ready to work on the mining business in the location that has been determined,’ he said.

PBNU is the first religious organisation to accept the government's offer regarding mining concessions. They have stated that they are willing to accept mining permits since 6 June 2024.

Gus Yahya said PBNU needed income to manage various activities. He said that the majority of PBNU's programmes have been managed by the Nahdliyin, NU residents.

PBNU's financial resources are not strong enough to support these programmes. For example, in managing 30 thousand pesantren. Some pesantren have tens of thousands of students.

Sources : www.cnnindonesia.com Aug 22.24