The first courtesy call between SEAMEO BIOTROP and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia was held on 19 March 2021 and was participated by the Director of SEAMEO BIOTROP, Dr Zulhamsyah Imran, the Director of Mineral and Coal Engineering and Environment, Dr Lana Saria, and staff of SEAMEO BIOTROP and the Directorate of Mineral and Coal Engineering and Environment.

In her remarks, Dr Lana stated that mine reclamation efforts need more innovations on technical and management aspects, including pest management on revegetation plants. Furthermore, Dr Lana expressed her appreciation to various efforts that have been done by SEAMEO BIOTROP in mine reclamation in Indonesia. She hoped that further collaborations can be developed between SEAMEO BIOTROP and the Directorate of Mineral and Coal Engineering and Environment.

In this opportunity, Dr Zulhamsyah Imran informed the forum about the income prediction of IDR 1.5 billion from utilizing ex-mining pools for fish cultivation sites. This kind of utilization is more effective and beneficial than closing the ex-mining pools. Dr Zulhamsyah further stated that the ex-mining pools can also be utilized for floating agriculture, drinking water resources, irrigation and ecotourism. He also stated that ex-mining land can be utilized for renewable energy source.

During the discussion, the forum discussed about the possibility of developing ex-mining land and pools into terrestrial resources. Initial approach can be done by inventroying ex-mining pools using geospatial and remote sensing techniques in the area of Indonesia’s capital candidate. The results of this initial approach can then be analyzed from the aspects of impacts, risks and potency. Further aspects discussed were the possibility for conducting fund raising from regional and international institutions with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia as the regulator for establishing mine reclamation models with mining companies.

(zi/sis)