We started 2022 with a heated hearing between Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif, and lawmakers at House Commission VII of the House of Representatives. The root of the problem was the discussion about illegal miners. One lawmaker from the Democratic Party, Muhammad Nasir (brother of Nazaruddin, former treasurer convicted in a series of corruption cases), questioned Arifin why the so-called coal queen Tan Paulin was yet to be arrested. This rare event prompted several national media outlets to find out about Paulin. Days later, through her legal counsel, Paulin exercised her right to reply to an article reported by CNBC Indonesia and denied Nasir’s accusations. The situation had subsided for a while until last week. Similar accusations are being leveled against PT Batuah Energi Prima (PT BEP), who has a complicated link with Paulin. The House of Representatives demanded the Government revoke the license granted to PT BEP. Meanwhile, in East Kalimantan, it is reported that the police are investigating alleged crimes committed by the Company.To subscribe please click here
