Bengkulu promises gold mining project will benefit local community

The Bengkulu Provincial Government has promised that the gold mining investment planned for Seluma Regency will benefit the local community.

"We are currently in Bengkulu discussing the possibility of gold mining investment in Seluma Regency. I, along with my staff and community leaders, have been planned a visit to Banyuwangi [to ensure that the mine in Bengkulu, like in Banyuwangi, benefits the region]," said Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan in Bengkulu City, Bengkulu on Monday.

He stated that there is also gold mining investment in Banyuwangi and it is running well. This investment benefits the region and boosts the regional economy.

"So, it's the same in Banyuwangi. There is also a gold mine, but the regent has requested for there to be shares that could be managed by the province and the regency to help the local community," Helmi said.

He added that the gold mining investment process in Bengkulu is currently proceeding well, adding that the Bengkulu Provincial Government continues to monitor every step of the process to ensure that it complies with applicable rules and regulations.

"Thank God, the process is underway. I've received reports that it's [going] well. It just needs to be finalized, and then a special meeting will be held so the local community will know exactly how the gold mine will be managed," he added.

Previously, Helmi stated that the provincial government is conducting an in-depth study of the potential for gold mining exploration in Seluma Regency, based on the situation with nickel mining in Raja Ampat.

"We want to study it thoroughly because we don't want problems to arise after government approval," said the governor.

The provincial government, said Helmi, will grant approval for the project if the community agrees with the gold mine and if it will benefit the local community and the region.

Helmi said that the Bengkulu Provincial Government is also listening to input from the local community, community leaders, the Bengkulu Regional Legislative Council (DPRD), the Bengkulu Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), academics, and environmentalists.

"Of course, the government must be aligned with the entire provincial community," he concluded.