Jakarta. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia received an award on Thursday evening for his initiatives to promote entrepreneurship in the mining sector by involving local communities, cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

The award, presented by B-Universe Media Holdings, recognized Bahlil’s efforts to expand public participation in an industry traditionally dominated by large corporations.

In his acceptance speech at the Appreciation Gala in Jakarta, Bahlil highlighted two major breakthroughs: legalizing community-managed oil wells and opening mining opportunities to cooperatives and MSMEs.

“These oil wells have belonged to local people since before Indonesia’s independence and have been managed from generation to generation. But without legal status, they were often forced to pay tributes or faced legal threats,” Bahlil said.

He proposed to President Prabowo Subianto that community wells be legalized, and the proposal was approved under the condition that operations do not harm the environment and comply with strict safety standards.

Bahlil said the policy is grounded in the Constitution, which mandates that the national economy be built on the principle of kinship and that natural resources be utilized for the greatest benefit of the people.

“Now, community wells are legalized. The oil business is no longer reserved only for conglomerates or foreign companies -- local communities can participate as well,” he said.

Additionally, the ministry has opened access for regional government-owned enterprises, cooperatives, and MSMEs to enter the mining business.

“Until now, most mining companies have been headquartered in Jakarta,” Bahlil said. “We asked the president to support fair distribution so that MSMEs and cooperatives can now receive priority in managing natural resources in their regions. We hope this brings fairness and prosperity to all Indonesians.”