Garut Regency and West Java ESDM Shut Down Three Illegal Mines in Leles

The Garut Regency administration, together with the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Agency of West Java Province, has taken a firm step by closing three mining locations in the Leles District, Garut Regency. This closure was carried out after the joint team discovered serious violations in the form of absent official licensing documents. Garut Regent Abdusy Syakur Amin stressed that the temporary cessation of operations at these three points demonstrates the government’s consistency in enforcing regulations. According to him, economic development must not ignore the aspects of legality and regional order. “We emphasise the importance of synergy between the regency, provincial, and central governments in ensuring development proceeds without sacrificing environmental preservation,” said Abdusy Syakur Amin during a site inspection on Thursday (4/6/2026). He added that this collaboration aims to realise the vision of Garut as a green and safe region. “This closure is the result of good collaboration. Going forward, supervision will be more intensive so that Garut becomes a region where we feel at home,” he stated. Beyond permitting issues, the Head of the West Java ESDM Agency, Bambang Tirtoyuliono, revealed violations of local policy concerning the use of public infrastructure. The three mining sites were found to be using operational vehicles exceeding the carrying capacity of public roads. “The three locations have not complied with the provision that prohibits the use of vehicles exceeding the carrying capacity of public roads, be they national, provincial, or regency roads,” explained Bambang. Bambang reminded that public roads are community-owned facilities that must be maintained together. This firm action is expected to serve as a stern warning to all mining business operators in West Java to be more disciplined in carrying out their operations in accordance with technical, social, economic, and environmental aspects. This step represents an affirmation of the commitment of the Garut Regency Government and the West Java Provincial Government to maintaining the continuity of sustainable development. The government hopes that similar incidents will not recur and that business operators can align their activities with applicable regulations for the benefit of the wider community.