Minister Supratman: President Prabowo's Statement on Illegal Mining Backing Must Be Implemented

Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas stated that President Prabowo Subianto’s remarks regarding alleged backing for illegal mining must be implemented by all levels of government. Supratman made the statement after attending the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD) at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Friday (14/8/2026). Initially, Supratman was asked about President Prabowo’s statement concerning the alleged backing from elements of the TNI and Polri in illegal mining activities. Supratman assessed that the President’s statement on the matter was not new. “It’s not new, not just now; the President has been saying that for a long time. What’s new?” Supratman said. He then stressed that the President’s statement no longer needs validation from any other party. According to him, the instruction must be heeded by all of the President’s aides. “There is no need to ask for validation; the President has already stated it. So there is no need to ask anyone for validation. It’s not that the President doesn’t know what’s happening, right?” he said. Supratman said he did not want to delve further into the parties referred to in the President’s statement. However, he emphasised that the President’s message applies to the entire government apparatus. “So I don’t want to go into that; the President has conveyed it, and it must be implemented, not only by the TNI-Polri but by all his aides,” he said. According to Supratman, the President has also repeatedly reminded his aides to be careful in carrying out their duties. “Every time we meet, his message is just one: ‘be careful’. That’s it. ‘I will never defend you if you take actions that are not in line with the people’s wishes’. The President has always said that,” he said.