The Indonesian government has passed an amended mining law that gives priority in mining development rights to religious organizations, small and medium enterprises, and cooperatives. This policy expands mining development priorities that were previously granted only to state-owned enterprises. However, experts express concerns about the lack of mining development experience among religious organizations and the potential to weaken criticism regarding environmental issues. As a resource-rich nation with abundant natural resources such as coal and nickel, analysts suggest this legislative amendment is a political calculation to gain support from religious groups in elections.
