Business · Energy & Commodities · 10 hrs ago
Indonesia to investigate palm oil plantations suspected of mining
Indonesia’s energy ministry will inspect palm oil plantations suspected of mining without permission.
Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said ministry officials and an enforcement team are following up on the suspicions.
Some foreign companies are being examined for possibly operating beyond the permits issued to them.
A company licensed only to grow palm oil is not allowed to carry out other business, Bahlil said.
The checks aim to ensure companies follow their permits and that natural resources are managed in an orderly way for Indonesia’s national interests.
Officials have not announced findings or penalties, and the inspections are ongoing.
Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is investigating palm oil plantations suspected of also conducting mining.
Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said some foreign companies are being examined for possible activities beyond their government permits.
The ministry has held a meeting with its law-enforcement team and internal staff to follow up on the allegations.
Bahlil said companies with permits only for palm oil plantations may not conduct other business.
The government says the checks aim to ensure companies follow their permits and that natural resources serve national interests.
- Who
- Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, led by Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, is conducting the checks. Some foreign companies are under examination.
- What
- The ministry is investigating palm oil plantations suspected of also conducting mining.
- When
- October 26, 2026.
- Where
- Indonesia. The announcement was made at a press conference in Jakarta.
- Why
- To check that companies operate within the permits granted by the government.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bahlil said the ministry had met with its law-enforcement team and internal staff to follow up on suspected mining by palm oil plantations.
Bahlil said several foreign companies were being examined for possible activities beyond their permits.
- Minister
- Bahlil Lahadalia
- Ministry
- Energy and Mineral Resources
- Companies under examination
- Several foreign companies
- Alleged activities
- Mining at palm oil plantations
- Announcement date
- October 26, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
We have also held a meeting with the law-enforcement team and the ministry’s internal team to monitor and inspect plantations that also conduct mining, which are suspected of being operated by several foreign companies.
If the permit is only issued for a palm oil business, they may not conduct another business or earn other income.
I have received a report from the law-enforcement team; several companies are being examined because they may be conducting activities beyond the permits issued.