The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry has officially revoked the Business Licensing for Forest Utilization (PBPH) of 18 companies. According to Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, the revoked permits span across multiple regions, from Aceh to Papua.
The decision was made due to the companies’ failure to properly and optimally utilize the forest permits granted by the government. Following directives from President Prabowo Subianto, the Ministry of Forestry took the step to revoke these permits.
“Today, I will issue a Ministerial Decree to revoke the PBPH permits of 18 companies, covering a total area of 526,144 hectares, from Aceh to Papua,” stated Raja Juli at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday (February 3, 2025), as quoted by IDXChannel.
Procedures and Future Management of Revoked Lands
Some of these permits have been in place for decades, with some dating back to 1997. Raja Juli explained that the ministry followed due procedures before making the decision, including sending letters inquiring about the permit usage and issuing warnings before the final revocation.
“There are various cases—some permits were issued in 1997, 1998, 2006, and 2010. However, they have remained undeveloped. We have a set procedure for reminders, starting with formal letters and follow-up inspections. Ultimately, I decided to revoke these permits after receiving approval from President Prabowo Subianto,” he added.
Following the revocation, the affected forest areas will now be under state management. Raja Juli stated that the Ministerial Decree will be officially released soon, no later than Tuesday (February 4, 2025), as reported by Bisnis.com.
The revocation policy will be formalized through a Ministerial Regulation, expected to be issued within a day. Once revoked, the land within these forest areas will be designated as state forests, with possibilities for reallocation.
“By today or tomorrow, I will issue the Ministerial Regulation after consulting with the President. Yes, these areas will become state forests, and we may reissue permits in the future—whether they are managed by state-owned enterprises, Danantara, Agrinas, or other entities,” Raja Juli concluded.
During his meeting with President Prabowo in Jakarta on Monday, February 3, 2025, Raja Juli also reported on the progress and outcomes of various ministry programs.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Forestry aims to strike a balance between sustainable forest conservation and national development while ensuring the well-being of local communities, particularly those residing near forested areas.
“Essentially, our ministry is seeking a middle ground. As President Prabowo stated, our forests must remain sustainable,” Raja Juli said, as quoted by Republika.co.id.
Indonesia’s forests, he noted, must be preserved as the “lungs of the world.” However, development must continue without destroying the forest and its surrounding areas. And ensuring that its benefits contribute to the welfare of the people, especially the communities living nearby.
Source: idxchannel.com, bisnis.com, republika.co.id
Photo Credit: Vika Viviensea via pexels.com
