State miner PT Aneka Tambang (antam) has proposed a collaborative approach wilh local governments and stakeholders in an effort to tackle the challenges posed by artisanal mining in the country.

CEO of PT Aneka Tambang, Achmad Ardianto, emphasized the importance of collaboration with related parties to manage the activities of workers using basic tools to extract everything − from gold and gemstones to vital metals − from the earth.

He acknowledged that while many artisanal mining operations remain unregulated and often illegal, the practice is essential for the livelihoods of many Indonesians.

"We understand that artisanal mining is a crucial source of income for many, but it often operates outside legal frameworks. Our challenge is to create a solution that ensures these miners can work within legal bounds while minimizing environmental risks," Ardianto told a hearing with trade and state-owned enterprises Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Antam is working closely with several provincial administrations to design systems that help bring artisanal miners into the formal sector.

"We’ve assisted provinces in creating models that ensure these mining activities are managed sustainably," Ardianto cited, while stressing that both environmental protection and social welfare must be balanced.

He also noted that the government is preparing a regulation that will allow artisanal mining to be organized through cooperatives. Antam, he affirmed, is ready to become the off-taker for gold produced by these cooperatives once the operations are legalized and certified.

This initiative aligns with Antam’s broader strategy to support the nation’s mining industry while adhering to both environmental and legal standards.

"Our goal is to make sure that all mining activities, especially those by local communities, contribute positively to the country’s economy without compromising sustainability," Ardianto said.

The regulation on artisanal mining is expected to be issued soon and help pave the way for a more structured and legally compliant mining sector in Indonesia.