Legislator Supports Prabowo's Move to Eradicate Illegal Mining
The crackdown on illegal mining needs to be carried out comprehensively by strengthening supervision, law enforcement, and natural resource governance. This step is considered important so that the utilisation of natural resources continues to provide benefits for the community while safeguarding the environment and state revenue.
Member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the National Mandate Party faction, Edi Oloan Pasaribu, supports President Prabowo Subianto’s move asking relevant officials to strengthen the crackdown on illegal mining practices. During the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan on Friday (14/8/2026), Prabowo revealed that the government had shut down around 1,000 illegal tin mines. Prabowo also asked the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the Chief of the National Police to investigate how such large-scale illegal mining activities could have taken place.
“I appreciate President Prabowo’s firmness. This shows that the state is present and must not provide any room for illegal mining practices. Moreover, if in its implementation there are allegations of involvement or protection from unscrupulous officials, then this must be investigated transparently and dealt with according to the law,” said Edi in his statement on Saturday (15/8/2026).
According to Edi, supervision needs to be carried out comprehensively, not only of mining activities in the field but also of the business chains related to these activities. This step is necessary so that the crackdown can run effectively and provide legal certainty for business actors who carry out activities in accordance with regulations.
As a House member from East Kalimantan, Edi considers natural resource management to be an important concern for mining-producing regions. According to him, mining activities need to provide economic benefits for the community and the region while still paying attention to environmental sustainability and compliance with regulations.
Edi also stressed the importance of law enforcement based on evidence and applicable regulations. If during the supervision process alleged violations by certain parties are found, the examination needs to be carried out professionally so that its handling can be accounted for.
“The President’s instruction must become a moment for a clean-up. No one should feel immune to the law. If there are officials proven to be playing a role or acting as protectors of illegal mining activities, take firm action. State institutions must instead be at the forefront of upholding the law and safeguarding our natural resource wealth,” said Edi.
According to Edi, the government also needs to strengthen coordination between ministries and agencies, regional governments, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the National Police, and other law enforcement officials. This coordination is needed to ensure that supervision and the crackdown on mining run consistently.
In addition to law enforcement, he encouraged strengthening supervision of licensing, distribution and sales of mining products, as well as environmental restoration in areas affected by illegal mining activities.
“Indonesia’s natural wealth belongs to the nation and must be used as much as possible for the prosperity of the people. We support President Prabowo in comprehensively cracking down on illegal mining. Uphold the law, save the environment, and ensure that natural wealth truly returns its benefits to the people,” said Edi.