Forest Management Task Force Calculates Administrative Penalties for PT Mineral Trobos Over Illegal Mining
The Forest Management Task Force (Satgas PKH) has stated it is calculating administrative penalties for PT Mineral Trobos regarding illegal mining in North Maluku.
This followed the Satgas PKH’s sealing of an illegal mining site in a forest area owned by PT Mineral Trobos, which is allegedly affiliated with Maluku United owner David Glen Oei.
“Forest area control has been retaken from illegal occupation with the installation of signage. Administrative penalties resulting from such unauthorised control will subsequently be calculated,” said Satgas PKH spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak to journalists on Thursday, 12 March.
Barita assured that the task force works authentically, objectively, factually, scientifically and in accordance with mechanisms set out in applicable regulations and oversight provisions.
“The task force also periodically reports to the public regarding performance achievements, both in forest area reclamation or penalty payments, as well as detailed figures and company identities,” he stated.
Meanwhile, former KPK investigator Yudi Purnomo Harahap assessed that Satgas PKH should coordinate with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in following up on the sealing of PT Mineral Trobos’s land.
He noted that the anti-corruption agency had previously questioned David Glen Oei regarding alleged money laundering offences related to former Papua Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba in October 2024.
“As the sealing (of Mineral Trobos) represents the initial stage of a criminal process, whether against individuals or corporations,” he explained.
Yudi added that the case must be thoroughly investigated by Satgas PKH regarding all parties allegedly involved in illegal mining practices in the forest area.
“Satgas PKH must move quickly to resolve this case to have a deterrent effect. This includes uncovering any alleged involvement of individuals in mining operations in the forest area,” he said.
Previously, the Forest Management Task Force (Satgas PKH) seized illegal mining operations belonging to PT Mineral Trobos in North Maluku.
Satgas PKH Spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak said the sealing of PT Mineral Trobos’s operational area was conducted due to suspected illegal mining activities in the forest area.
“The task force team is working to enforce regulations against illegal or unauthorised forest area management across all forest areas in Indonesia, including in North Maluku,” he told journalists on Friday, 27 February.