Alleged Illegal Sea-Sand Mine Found in Lebak, Owner Questioned

An apparently illegal sea-sand mine was discovered in Lebak, Banten. Police are questioning individuals suspected of operating the site.

“The case is now at the investigation stage. One person suspected to be the owner will be questioned at Lebak Police Resort today,” said Maruli Hutapea, Head of Public Relations for the Banten Regional Police, when contacted for confirmation on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

The existence of the illegal sea-sand mine was revealed when Banten Provincial Legislative Council member Musa Weliansyah checked the site on Thursday, 14 May. He said locals reported that mining activities were triggering coastal erosion from Pantai Tenjolaya to Lebak Keusik.

“The mining activity reaches thousands of sacks per day. As a result, Pantai Tenjolaya, Sukatani Village, to Lebak Keusik, Wanasalam Village, experienced erosion. The sand was taken by illegal sand traders,” Musa said.

Musa suspects the illegal mine had been operating for three years and had been shut down several times by authorities. He said the operators who refuse to comply reopen the mine.

“In 2024 it was closed by the Environmental Service, but reopened. In 2025 it was closed, but reopened. In 2026, on 6 and 11 May, Lebak’s Satpol PP closed it, but they reopened again, causing distress to residents,” he said.

Musa said the 6-hectare site belongs to the provincial government of Banten, not to a private owner. He handed the case over to the police for investigation.

“I urge law enforcement agencies to designate the illegal sand operators in Wanasalam District as suspects,” he said.