Minister Bahlil inspects crackdown on illegal mining in Murung Raya

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia inspected the crackdown on illegal mining in Murung Raya, Central Kalimantan, which is an opening area for the mine owned by PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup (AKT). “Indeed, the location of this mine has had its permit status revoked since 2017, so the mining operations conducted from 2017 until now lack legal validity,” Bahlil stated in his official remarks received in Jakarta on Tuesday. Bahlil emphasised that the legal status of PT AKT, which previously held a coal mining business contract agreement (PKP2B), has been revoked since 2017. However, the company is suspected of continuing operations to this day without a legal basis. “Therefore, we are proceeding with the existing processes while still adhering to procedures,” he said. The PKH Task Force has retaken control of 1,699 hectares (ha) of land previously used as a mine opening area by PT AKT. In addition to the land seizure, investigators from the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) of the Republic of Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office have provisionally designated one person as a suspect as the beneficial owner (Beneficial Ownership). “After verification and validation by the PKH Task Force, there are indications of criminal acts. The PKH Task Force coordinated with existing law enforcement, so on 26 March, Jampidsus investigators designated ST as a suspect as Beneficial Ownership along with all companies affiliated with PT AKT,” stated the PKH Task Force Spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak.