31-7-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesia’s recent decision to allow religious organisations to manage mining concessions has sparked a heated debate within the country’s largest Islamic groups, despite their leadership’s apparent support for the policy.
On Sunday, 28 July, Muhammadiyah, Indonesia’s second-largest Islamic organisation, officially announced its approval of the government’s controversial mining policy after months of deliberation. Abdul Mu’ti, the group’s general secretary, stated at a press conference that Muhammadiyah is now prepared to accept and operate state-owned mining concessions.
This decision follows a similar move by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country’s largest Islamic group, which expressed its support shortly after President Joko Widodo’s administration introduced the policy in May. Together, these two organisations boast an estimated following of over 100 million in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.
However, the policy has not been without its critics. Many have accused President Widodo of using it as a means to reward religious groups that mobilised support for his perceived favoured candidate, Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, in February’s presidential election. Prabowo, whose running mate is Widodo’s son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, went on to win the election by a significant margin.
Environmental groups have raised concerns about the suitability of religious organisations to operate mines, warning of potential increased environmental damage. Some activists have pointed out that these groups may find themselves at odds with local communities when negative impacts from mining activities arise.
The policy has also faced opposition from within the religious organisations themselves. Busyro Muqoddas, Muhammadiyah’s central executive chairman and former commissioner of the Corruption Eradication Commission, has been vocal in his opposition, citing environmental concerns. Similarly, Muhammadiyah’s environmental arm, Green Cadre, has expressed disappointment and fear that the policy could undermine their environmental protection initiatives.
Within NU, a group of 68 alumni from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) publicly rejected the granting of mining permits to religious organisations in June. Their spokesperson, Slamet Tohari, called on the government to cancel the policy.
Interestingly, the policy has received varied responses from other religious groups in Indonesia. While some Muslim organisations like Persatuan Islam (Persis) have welcomed it, others have taken a more cautious stance. The Hindu organisation Parisada Hindu Dharma has voiced conditional support, while the Representative of Indonesian Buddhists (Walubi) has yet to take a position.
In contrast, two prominent Christian groups, the Fellowship of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) and the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI), have outright rejected the offer. They argue that mining activities fall outside their religious mandates and missions.
The government, for its part, has defended the policy. Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia suggested that religious groups could set a positive example in mine management, dismissing concerns about their lack of experience. He argued that even established businessmen had to start somewhere in the mining industry.
