KSP Dudung Intervenes in Polemic Over 15 Containers of PT PMM Ilmenite, What's the Outcome?

Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Dudung Abdurachman summoned all relevant stakeholders regarding the polemic over 15 containers of ilmenite mineral owned by PT Putra Mineral Mandiri (PMM). The step was taken to obtain clarity and address the matter transparently. PT PMM’s Legal Counsel, Poltak Silitonga, stated that his client attended the meeting directly. He said the invitation from KSP Dudung aimed to provide an in-depth clarification to straighten out circulating negative issues. “We were invited to provide clarification on the issues that have been developing, especially the accusation that PT PMM is smuggling dangerous goods and rare earth metals,” he said at the KSP office. The meeting, led directly by Dudung, was attended by several authorised agencies, including Customs and Excise, Sucofindo, Bakamla Batam, and the Bangka Belitung Provincial Government. On that occasion, Poltak asserted that all of PT PMM’s export activities have been conducted within legal corridors. Poltak firmly denied allegations that their commodities contain radioactive materials or prohibited minerals. “We explained in detail based on facts that there is no exploitation or export of mineral goods prohibited by the state, be it rare earth metals or radioactive nuclear materials,” he said. PT PMM claimed that Customs and Sucofindo, who were present at the meeting, also reinforced their explanation. Both institutions stated that the inspection process for the 15 containers had met the applicable procedures. “They conveyed that all procedures have been carried out. PT PMM’s goods already have valid certificates and documents, making them eligible for export. That permit is the domain of Customs,” said Poltak. Meanwhile, Poltak added that KSP Dudung Abdurachman welcomed all presentations and promised to scrutinise and further explore input from all parties before making the next decision or recommendation. On the same occasion, the Head of the Energy and Mineral Resources Office of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Reskiansyah, emphasised that the regional government’s authority in the matter is limited to the administrative aspects of mining business permits.