MATARAM – A total of 21 cooperatives in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) are currently seeking legal authorization to manage People’s Mining Permits (IPR). The number has risen following new applications from three additional cooperatives targeting mining blocks in Berang Ilir and Lebuk, West Sumbawa Regency.
The Head of the NTB Energy and Mineral Resources Agency (ESDM), Samsudin, revealed that while interest among cooperatives remains high, the permitting process faces significant bottlenecks. To date, only three cooperatives have successfully secured exploitation permits: the Lantung One, Lantung Two, and Lepadi blocks.
“We are currently processing the additional proposals for the determination of coordinate points,” Samsudin told reporters last week.
IPR Licensing Status Data in NTB
| Category | Total (Units) |
|---|---|
| Total Cooperative Applicants | 21 |
| Exploitation Permits Granted | 3 |
| Pending / Unlicensed | 18 |
*Source: NTB ESDM Agency (Processed Data)
Samsudin explained that the primary obstacle for the remaining 18 cooperatives lies with Mining Business Licenses (IUP) currently stalled at the Ministry of Forestry. The Ministry, he noted, is prioritizing environmental compliance, specifically mandates to prevent air emissions and water pollution at mining sites.
Paradoxically, even the three cooperatives that have already received official permits are currently prohibited from commencing operations. This is due to the pending approval of the revised Regional Regulation (Perda) on Regional Taxes and Retributions (PDRD) by the Minister of Home Affairs.
Because of this regulatory void, local authorities cannot collect IPR retributions, which technically renders any ongoing mining activity—even by permit holders—legally categorized as illicit.
“Under the regulations, permit holders are required to pay their dues within 30 days of the IPR issuance. However, because the regulatory framework to collect these retributions has not been finalized, the payments cannot be processed,” Samsudin asserted.
Beyond the issue of retributions, every licensed cooperative is required to submit a comprehensive mining plan that must be evaluated and approved by the relevant authorities. Samsudin emphasized that until these plans are finalized and cleared, all field activities remain in violation of the law.
