Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has signed a presidential regulation (Perpres) No. 28/2011 on the Use of Protected Forest for Underground Mining, Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam said here Friday.

The Perpres is very important for the management of protected forests and the development of geothermal industry development in Indonesia, according to Dipo.

"Regional administrations having geothermal potential in protected forests, should study this regulations in order to prevent a lawsuit from varies parties," Dipo said.

The regulation is effective since the signing by the president on May 19, 2011.

The use of protected forests for underground mining should first get a permit from concerned ministries.

A company holding a permit could carry out underground mining activities in protected forest for 20 years maximum depending on the assessment study.

The permit could be renewed in accordance with the permit period or an agreement in the mining field. (F001/A/HAJM/16:12/f001 )

(ANTARA)

Editor: Ella Syafputri
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