The Deputy Attorney General stated this for Intelligence, Prof. Dr. Reda Manthovani, S.H., LLM, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PT Timah Tbk and BUMDes/Cooperatives, along with the Entry Meeting and the Signing of the Integrity Pact for Strategic Project Safeguarding in PT Timah’s IUP Mining Area at Graha Timah, Pangkalpinang, on Thursday (20/3/2025).
According to Reda Manthovani, in efforts to improve tin governance, the Attorney General’s Office actively coordinates to encourage regulatory frameworks and ensures community participation in mining management.
The collaboration between PT Timah and BUMDes is seen as a manifestation of the state’s presence, ensuring that natural resources are utilized for public welfare. This initiative allows communities to participate in tin mining within PT Timah’s IUP (Mining Business Permit) area.
"We are ensuring that PT Timah's partnership in guiding cooperatives and BUMDes in mining activities within PT Timah’s IUP follows proper procedures and SOPs. This way, we can prevent environmental damage while generating economic benefits for the local community," he explained.
He further emphasized the importance of cooperatives and BUMDes maximizing this partnership with PT Timah to achieve the program's goal—boosting rural economies through BUMDes and cooperatives.
"Through this program, communities are directly involved, allowing PT Timah to contribute to improving rural economic conditions. The Attorney General’s Office will continue to monitor and oversee the process to ensure it aligns with established SOPs," he added.
PT Timah’s President Director, Ahmad Dani Virsal, stated that sustainability and stakeholder involvement, particularly from local communities, are crucial aspects of the company's mining operations.
This initiative aligns with Ministerial Regulation No. 7 of 2020 from Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) regarding the procedures for granting mining areas, permits, and reporting on mineral and coal mining activities. One of the key provisions of this regulation is to enhance community welfare in mining areas.
"Thus, this agreement between PT Timah and BUMDes/Cooperatives is an effort to empower local economies while also reducing illegal mining within PT Timah’s concession areas," he explained.
This program has been warmly welcomed by BUMDes representatives, including Etika Fitri, Director of BUMDes Pesisir Jaya Besamo in Belo Laut Village, West Bangka Regency.
According to Etika Fitri, they have long awaited this initiative, as previously, their BUMDes could only collaborate with PT Timah’s partners, rather than directly with PT Timah itself.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to work directly with PT Timah. Previously, our BUMDes had to collaborate with PT Timah’s partners, making it an indirect partnership. Now, we have a direct collaboration," she said.
She also emphasized that this partnership provides a legal platform for community members who wish to engage in mining activities within PT Timah’s IUP, alleviating their concerns about illegal mining.
"We hope this collaboration marks the beginning of improved economic development in our village. She concluded that This initiative provides legal opportunities for community members and enhances BUMDes’ contributions to the village’s Local Revenue (PAD),” she concluded. (*)
