Bogor closes sand mining operation

Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor

Bogor Public Order Agency closed a sand mining operation in Bukit Pasir Buncir, Kampung Lengkong, in Caringin district which is an key catchment area.

The order to close the area was issued on Thursday to avoid flooding which usually affects downstream Jakarta and landslides, which have killed many of the sand miners.

Head of the Bogor Mining Agency, Adjat Sudrajat, said that the area was officially closed in 1998.

"The operation there was illegal, we never issued a license to permit any operation in the water catchment area," he said.

He added that the sand mining activities in the area were a violation of Presidential Decree No. 17/1999 on development of Bogor, Puncak and Cianjur areas, and Bogor Bylaw No. 17/2000 on city spatial plan.

"There should be a comprehensive study on this matter involving the central government, Bogor administration as well as the West Java provincial administration, because any policies taken on the sand mining would surely affect Jakarta," Adjat said.

He explained that market demand for the quality sand was high in Jakarta, while Bukit Pasir Buncir has sand that could be exploited for another 20 years.

Meanwhile, Bogor Legislative Council deputy speaker Karyawan Faturahman said that the administration should protect the area which had been claimed by individuals who later sold part of the area to mining companies.