PARLEMENTARY, Jakarta – Member of Commission VII DPR RI, Mulyanto, asked the Government to reactivate nickel mining activities in the Mandiodo Block Mining Business Area (WUP), North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi, which was previously closed due to a corruption case.

“The process of investigating this case must be accelerated, so that there is legal certainty for the perpetrators of corruption. So that the companies where hundreds of people work can resume operations. So that people have the opportunity to earn income. And economic activities can return to life,” said Mulyan to in his short message to the Parliament, at Jakarta, Thursday (25/1).

This politician from the PKS faction explained that currently local economic activities seem to have stopped. This has resulted in unemployment and poverty rates around the mining site increasing drastically. This was complained about by the local community who lost their livelihoods due to the closure of the mine.

“The legal process for this mining block case must be resolved immediately, don’t drag it out too long to the detriment of the community’s economy.”

Previously it was also reported by Member of the Indonesian Ombudsman, Hery Susanto, that the cessation of activities around the Nike mine? The Mandiodo Block has caused unrest in the community. The community complained about the mine closure policy because their livelihoods were lost. Meanwhile, trading and farming are no longer possible because environmental conditions have changed.

Because of this, the Ombudsmen recommended to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to reactivate the mining, noting that it was necessary to evaluate the company’s standard operational procedures.

“I urge the relevant parties to reopen this mining permit. The legal process for this mining block case must be resolved immediately, don’t take too long to the detriment of the community’s economy. I also received information that there is a smelter company that is importing nickel ore from neighboring countries due to the temporary closure this block,” said this PKS faction politician.

Not only that, Mulyanto also asked the Government to optimize the community’s legal and economic efforts related to this mine as well as possible, so that the community does not experience difficulties like now.

“The government must think about the fate of the people who are experiencing difficulties due to this mine closure policy. The government needs to listen to the complaints of the affected people so that they can avoid bigger problems,” he stressed.