Jakarta. East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak on Wednesday called for greater transparency and public participation in implementing downstream mining policies at the regional level, as Indonesia pushes to extract more value from its natural resources.

Speaking at B-Universe Media Holdings' Energy and Mineral Festival at Hutan Kota by Plataran, Emil said that inclusive and objective assessments are crucial to ensure sustainable outcomes for communities affected by mining.

“Everything must go through an objective and transparent review process that fully involves public participation,” Emil said.

He acknowledged the ongoing debate surrounding the country's downstream industrialization agenda, particularly in the extractive industries, which remain controversial in some areas due to environmental and social concerns.

“Mining is highly context-specific. In some areas, it can create jobs and be economically viable without causing significant environmental damage,” he said. “But there are also places where mining comes with high extraction costs and severe environmental impacts due to geological and deposit conditions.”

Emil argued that mining activities and downstream efforts must be approached holistically rather than treated as one-size-fits-all. What may not be feasible today, he said, could become viable in the future due to shifts in the economics of mining commodities.

“What may not be suitable for the environment or the local community today, could be seen differently 20 or 30 years from now as the economics of mining evolve,” he said.

He also noted that not all stakeholders will agree with downstream initiatives, making it important for local governments to be courageous in weighing the risks and benefits of mining proposals.

“The public today is much more aware of the pros and cons, and we can move forward together,” Emil said. “But if even a small opposition exists and the documents show high risks and serious potential harm, we must be brave enough to say no.”