Mineral and Coal Still Play Key Role in Economic Growth

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

PRESS RELEASE

NUMBER: 393.Pers/04/SJI/2020

Date: 10 December 2020

Mineral and Coal Still Play Key Role in Economic Growth

The Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR) Arifin Tasrif expressed his appreciation to Directorate General of Mineral and Coal for its continuous effort to give out positive information about mineral and coal mining activities to the public. This way, mining activities are not always associated with nature destruction.

"I'd like to thank Directorate General of Mineral and Coal for holding the Minerba Virtual Expo 2020, because despite the difficulties and limitations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Directorate General continuous to give out positive news about mineral and coal mining in Indonesia," said Arifin at the opening of the expo on Thursday (10/12).

Arifin went on to say that the difficult situation has pushed stakeholders to innovate and prepare new strategies for mining management that are in line with the economic recovery efforts made by the Indonesian Government.

One of the efforts to recover Indonesia's economy is by spurring investment in mineral and coal mining. The government has hoped to achieve this through downstream processing of mineral and coal commodities. If the number of companies undertaking downstream processing grows, the community can enjoy more and more mining products.

"The government has given maximum incentives for companies carrying out downstream mineral and coal processing. Fiscal and non-fiscal incentives are expected to attract investors so that they build downstream infrastructure in Indonesia," Arifin said.

Large-scale investment must be counterbalanced with stricter policy on safety and environment, for example the obligation to perform reclamation and post-mining activities with a 100% level of success.

Meanwhile, Directur General of Mineral and Coal Ridwan Djamaludin said the virtual expo is the first to be held by his Directorate General. The virtual delivery has been selected to successfully achieve the expo's objectives while curbing the spread of the pandemic.

"The objectives of the expo are, one, we want to present our work achievements, innovations, and public services. Two, we want to communicate new regulation and policy on mining in relation to the issuance of Law Number 3 of 2020 (on Amendment to Law Number 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining)," Ridwan explained.

Three, the expo is aimed at showing innovations, performance, and achievements by mining companies during the Covid-19 pandemic, including Corporate Social Responsibility programs for communities living near mining areas.

"Four, we want to inform the public that during these pandemic times, the mining industry still plays a vital role in national economic recovery," Ridwan added.

The Minerba Virtual Expo 2020 is held from December 10 to Desember 11, 2020 under the theme "The Role of the Mining Sector in Supporting National Economic Recovery during the Pandemic". The expo is made up of an exhibition showing the innovations from all mineral and coal business players and 4 webinar sessions as the forum for discussion and brainstorming about the latest issues in mineral and coal mining. (IY)

Head of Bureau of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation

Agung Pribadi (08112213555)

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