MINING COMPANIES OBLIGED TO RESTORE DAMAGED LAND

The Minister of Forestry Zulkifli Hasan stated that nearly all mineral resources in Indonesia were located in forest areas. For that matter he planned to take stringent action on mining companies refused to make land reclamations. “Companies who fail to rehabilitate their ex-mining zones would sanctioned” the Minister warned.

Survey made in Banka Belitung islands concluded that the Government’s losses in restoring the e mining zones being neglected by the operators was estimated to cost 100 times the income from mining itself. The ex-mining areas in Babel was damaged because the exploited areas left by mining permit holders (IUP) were vast and were irresponsibly left just like that, leaving wide, horrible holes and ponds behind.

Zulkifli further remarked that restoration of the environment would also benefit the local communities. An example was land rehabilitated by PT Bukit Asam where Eucalyptus trees were being planted and growers, in company-aided groups could produce Eucalyptus oil.

Zulkifli also proposed that the restored land be used for planting trees for logging like in People’s Plantation Forest (HTR) Sengon. Jabon and Jati Teakwood. Rehabilitated land could also be used for mix-planting of horticulture plants or for cattle breeding.

In that same opportunity President Director of PT Bukit Asam (PT BA) Tbk Milawarma explained that he was committed to continue increasing budget for rehabilitation in line with increased production output made possible by the Rp230 billion budget being prepared today. “As a mining company particularly BUMN Company PT BA was most serious in safeguarding forest conservation. We are determined to become pioneer in land restoration, to be exemplary to other mining companies” he said.

Beside fulfilling the obligation to reclaim riverbank areas, PT BA also undertaken rehabilitation projects exclusive of the basic assignments by restoring 3,660 hectares of riverbank areas in South Sumatra.

The riverbank restoration plan was based on the Decree of the Minister of Forestry. Among the reasons was because PT BA was a company holding utility rental for the 3.456 ha in Muara Enim and Lahat; the Program was run in 2013 – 2022.

The restored zone was part of upstream Musi River divided in 3 regencies, i.e. Muara Enim 2,770 ha, Lahat 59 ha and Musi Manyuasin 300 ha.

For rehabilitation they grow plants of economic value and suitable for the local ecosystem, such as among others: Merbau, Mahony, Trembesi, Meranti, Sengon, Durian, Cempedak, Mangoes and Rambutan. “For swamp areas, suitable plants would be planted such as big and small mangroves” Milawarma was quoted as saying.

 
Business News - October 10, 2012