BEM UI Rejects Permission for Universities to Manage Mining

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Student Executive Board of the University of Indonesia (BEM UI) has rejected the proposal of permission for universities to manage , as outlined in the revision of the Mineral and Coal Mining Bill. BEM UI Chair Iqbal Cheisa Wiguna stated that such a proposal could lead to significant regression for the academic sector.

He highlighted the potential for conflicts of interest. "The management of mining operations by universities has a high potential to create conflicts of interest and corrupt behavior," said Iqbal when contacted by Tempo on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Iqbal stated that universities should focus on the Tri Dharma principles; education, research, and community service. believes that the proposal could blur academic objectives and shift towards commercial goals in mining management.

Instead of managing minings, Iqbal argued that universities should focus on researching and critically evaluating mining management to ensure it is conducted in an environmentally friendly and responsible manner. He also noted that mining management could restrict academic freedom, particularly in mining research activities.

Additionally, BEM UI highlighted the potential environmental impacts of mining activities. According to Iqbal, the proposal could create a dilemma between affordable education and environmental sustainability. "Continuous exploitation involving universities could harm the environment under the guise of education," he said.

The Draft Law on the Fourth Amendment to Law Number 4 of 2009 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining states that mining business permit areas for universities can be granted on a priority basis. Under this provision, three factors are considered when granting mining permits to universities: the size of the mining business permit area (WIUP) for metallic minerals, the accreditation of the university, and the improvement of access to and the provision of education for the community.

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, stated that the idea of universities managing minings is not an issue as long as it aligns to generate funds for universities. “I think the intention is to find ways to provide or generate funding for universities,” he said when speaking to reporters at the parliament building in Central Jakarta on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

However, Dasco asserted that the mechanism for managing mining needs to be further regulated to ensure that the granting of mining business permits (IUP) benefits the universities.

Nabiila Azzahra contributed to the writing of this article.

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