Jakarta. Vice-presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka suggested the government revoke mining permits (IUP) for companies engaged in illegal mining.

Gibran made this statement in the fourth presidential debate at the Jakarta Convention Center, where vice presidential candidates Muhaimin Iskandar, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Mohammad Mahfud MD gathered for the discussion on environmental issues, agriculture, energy, and food security.

"The solution is simple, revoke their IUP, revoke their permits. It's simple, by the Constitution, we want these natural resources to be maximally utilized for the welfare of the people," said Gibran during the vice presidential debate on Sunday.

Gibran said that to utilize Indonesia's natural resources, companies need to collaborate with local entrepreneurs so that the surrounding communities can also benefit from the positive impacts.

"We aim for major corporations to partner with local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, fostering mutual growth and contributing to the development of residents, local entrepreneurs, and SMEs," said Gibran during the debate.

Previously, Mahfud highlighted the difficulty in solving the problem of illegal mining in Indonesia, citing the reluctance of many companies to openly disclose data.

"The information is kept confidential. Who holds the illegal land there? When a list is compiled, the data is not included," said Mahfud during the vice presidential debate.

"This is a problematic practice, always kept hidden. When people become aware, information is disclosed gradually. There is no comprehensive solution. Hence, transparency in information about data serves as the foundation for a resolution," Mahfud said.

Responding to Gibran's statement, Mahfud MD, who also serves as the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, acknowledged the presence of many mining permit mafias.

"Revoking IUP involves many mafias. Many mafias. I have sent a team to the field, rejected, even with a Supreme Court decision. Even the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), a week ago, stated that there are many illegal activities in mining, and it is backed by officials and authorities of the state," he said during the vice presidential debate.