Central Java ESDM Agency Denies Residents' Findings on Sand and Stone Mining Impact in Progo River, Magelang
The Energy and Mineral Resources Agency of Central Java Province has responded to protests from residents of Sambeng Village, Borobudur District, Magelang Regency, regarding sand and stone mining activities by PT Anaba Putra Nusantara in the Progo River. According to the agency, it has already directly inspected the residents’ complaints together with the community and company representatives. They claim the grievances raised by residents were not proven.
Head of the Mineral and Coal Division at the Central Java ESDM Agency, Irwan Edhie, said his office had received complaints from Sambeng residents about PT Anaba’s mining activities in the Progo River. ‘The community’s complaints at that time were that the mining could cause landslides at a bend in the river channel because there is a structure there. Secondly, that it was mining not in accordance with regulations regarding the distance from river structures. Thirdly, that it damaged springs,’ he said in an interview on Friday (28/8/2026).
He said the complaints were conveyed by Sambeng residents during a meeting with the River Basin Agency. According to Irwan, because PT Anaba’s mining location is within a river area, the issuance of a mining business permit must receive a green light from the River Basin Agency.
Irwan revealed that after receiving the complaints, he proposed that all parties, including residents, conduct a direct inspection of the site. ‘It turned out that what the community found was not correct. We were fair about it. We at ESDM acted as mediators, the Anaba side was present, and the community side was present,’ he said.
Regarding the complaint about distance, Irwan claimed no violation was found. ‘The distance does not violate the rules, in accordance with the provisions on distance from river structures. Because from upstream, river structures must be 500 metres away, while downstream it is 1,000. It is not from upstream. That has been checked, and the residents who objected also checked it themselves,’ he said.
‘Then regarding the spring, the spring is located above. It is far away,’ Irwan added.
On the issue of degradation, Irwan claimed it had occurred before PT Anaba’s mining activities began. ‘The degradation was at a location that existed before the mining activities. That has been proven. What more do you want?’ he said.
According to Irwan, in the licensing process for PT Anaba’s mining activities, the Central Java ESDM Agency only provided a recommendation. ‘The permit is issued by the Central Java Provincial Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency,’ he said.
He added that because the mining location is in a river area, PT Anaba also requires a recommendation from the River Basin Agency. ‘If the River Basin Agency does not permit it, then of course the permit will not be issued,’ Irwan said.