Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto’s administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to eradicating illegal mining in order to safeguard the nation’s natural resources and ensure their utilization for the benefit of the people. Law enforcement agencies have taken concrete actions across regions, from Central Kalimantan to West Papua.
The Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) is currently investigating alleged illegal non-metallic mineral mining activities involving zircon by PT Karya Res Lisbeth Mineral in Central Kalimantan.
“One suspect has been named so far, Marcel Sunyoto, Director of PT Karya Lisbeth,” explained Brigadier General Nunung Syaifuddin, Director of Certain Crimes (Dirtipidter) at Bareskrim Polri.
Nunung added that a number of pieces of evidence have been collected, and the authorities are coordinating with experts for further legal proceedings.
“This week, we will hold a case hearing to name a suspect under Articles 158 and 161 of the Mineral and Coal Law,” he added.
The case surfaced following the circulation of a letter revoking the approval of the company’s Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) by the Central Kalimantan Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Office, as part of an evaluation of illegal zircon mining in the region.
Meanwhile, a major crackdown also took place in West Papua. The Special Crime Investigation Directorate of the West Papua Regional Police arrested 19 suspects involved in illegal gold mining along the Wariori River in Masni District, Manokwari Regency.
“We affirm that law enforcement efforts will continue to the root in order to preserve the environment and uphold the rule of law in West Papua,” said Kombes Pol Sonny M. Nugroho, Head of the West Papua Police’s Special Crime Directorate.
Seized evidence includes six excavators, 250 grams of gold, gold processing equipment, documents, and counterfeit precious metal certificates. Police are also pursuing two suspects who are currently fugitives.
Meanwhile, Samsudin Saman, Chairman of the National Student League for Democracy (LMND), expressed his support for President Prabowo’s firm stance.
“The Prabowo administration has shown strong commitment to eliminating illegal mining that damages the environment and undermines state revenues,” he stated.
This firm action deserves appreciation as concrete proof that under President Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia does not tolerate environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.
