Forestry Ministry denies conflicting regulations

By Tri Subekti Rakgmatullah

Ministry of Forestry said there isn?t any regulation issued by the ministry which is in conflict with mining permits issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR).

"We always consulted with MEMR and had common perception before publishing regulations." Sylvana Ratina, Director General of Forest Planology at the ministry said on Tuesday.

Sylvana emphasized that the use of forest for non-forestry purposes should comply with the functions of the forest, which is applicable for production and protected forests. Meanwhile, conservation forest may not be exploited for all non-forestry activities, she said.

She suggested mining companies propose mining permits in areas which already have clear and clean (CnC) status from MEMR

Editing by Johannes Simbolon