According to the revised Law No. 3 of 2020 on Minerals and Coal Mining, the House of Representatives briefly stated that universities were initially permitted to manage mines. Nevertheless, ITB considers that mining processes require large sums of investments, have long-term capital returns, as well as a considerably high level of risk which requires meticulous administration. Thus, the involvement of universities in direct mine management may result in serious challenges to academic independence and the integrity of educational institutions.

On a global scale, there is yet to be a university that holds mining concessions, as this may generate a negative perception concerning the university’s bias towards certain industries.

ITB shares a similar value with the decision to cancel the granting of mining management permits to universities so that universities maintain their dignity by focusing on the Tridarma of Higher Education (education, research, and devotion towards the community), and maintain their academic independence

However, ITB believes that universities may still be able to contribute to the Indonesian mining industry through multiple faucets, which include:

1. Producing competent graduates ready to work in the Indonesian mining industry

2. Conduct thorough research and implement its results towards the advancement of the mining industry.

3. Providing expert services in the field of mining through official business units owned by the universities.

Other than that, ITB acknowledges the benefits that the mining industry poses for universities, which include:

1. Provision of mining locations allocated by the government or the industry for practical and research activities for students and lecturers.

2. Strengthening cooperation between universities and the mining industry in the form of education and research through schemes that mutually benefit both parties.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T. As the rector of ITB stated that Institut Teknologi Bandung is committed to maintaining academic independence and the integrity of academic institutions. “We believe that the decision not to grant mine management authority to universities is the right decision. ITB will further contribute to the progression of the mining industry through education, research, and devotion to the community,” he stated.

^{Rector of ITB, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T.}

ITB believes that the laws and regulations that require the provision of Educational Mines are very important to support educational, research, and technological development processes. These Educational Mines can be allocated by the government or the industry around the university location so that students and lecturers have direct access to practical and research activities in the field of mining.

Other than that, ITB supports the existence of regulations that require the holders of the Mining Business License of the mining industry to allocate funds proportionally to be able to cooperate with universities. This cooperation involves various fields, such as education, e.g., through guest lecture programs, internships for college students and lecturers, micro-credentials, as well as master’s programs for professionals, or even research involving postgraduate students, joint community service, and expert services through a mutually beneficial scheme.

With that being said, ITB remains committed to supporting the growth of the national mining industry through its role as an academic institution focused on scientific innovation and technology without losing its academic independence.