East Kalimantan Governor Supports Crackdown on Illegal Mining Near IKN
Kutai Kartanegara (ANTARA) - The East Kalimantan Provincial Government supports enforcement actions against illegal mining activities in the buffer zone of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) to preserve the environment and state forest areas.
East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud, while attending the reclamation of forest areas in the Bukit Soeharto Great Forest Park (Tahura), Kutai Kartanegara on Monday, stated that the local government fully supports the steps taken by the Forest Area Order Task Force (Satgas PKH).
“As the representative of the central government in the region, we fully support the Satgas PKH. If deviations occur in the mining sector, they must be addressed because they not only harm the community but also the state,” said Rudy.
On Monday, the Satgas PKH reclaimed 111.71 hectares of forest area in Tahura Bukit Soeharto that was being utilised for illegal mining activities.
According to Rudy, this enforcement is vital to maintain environmental sustainability and to protect the IKN buffer zone from illegal activities and the unauthorised occupation of forest areas.
He added that the East Kalimantan Provincial Government is prepared to strengthen synergy with the central government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and law enforcement agencies to safeguard the IKN buffer zone.
Satgas PKH Spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak stated that the reclamation of the area was carried out following field verifications since October 2025, document tracing, and inspections of the companies involved.
Based on the results of the Satgas PKH verification, the area was being used for coal mining activities without the required Forest Area Utilisation Approval (PPKH).
The Satgas PKH estimates that the potential administrative fines for the use of this area reach approximately Rp147.3 billion.
The reclamation of the forest area was marked by the installation of state ownership signage at the Tahura Bukit Soeharto site.
The operation was led by the Executive Chairman of the Satgas PKH, who is also the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Kuntadi, alongside Vice Chairman I of the Satgas PKH, Lieutenant General TNI Richard Taruli Tampubolon, and Vice Chairman II of the Satgas PKH, Inspector General Pol Syahardiantono.
The event was also attended by the Commander of Kodam VI/Mulawarman, Major General TNI Krido Pramono; the East Kalimantan Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Pol Endar Priantoro; the East Kalimantan High Prosecutor, Chatarina Muliana Girsang; and the Regent of Kutai Kartanegara, Aulia Rahman Basri.