North Sumatra Provincial Government Shuts Down 13 Illegal Class C Mining Sites in Deli Serdang
A joint task force from the North Sumatra Provincial Government has shut down illegal ‘Galian C’ mining activities at 13 sites across two regencies in North Sumatra, namely Deli Serdang and Serdang Bedagai.
“Today, there is an activity by the integrated team for the enforcement and supervision of mining companies across a total of 13 sites,” said the Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Department of Industry, Trade, Energy, and Mineral Resources (Perindag ESDM), Dedi Jaminsubjah Putra Harahap, in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, on Friday.
The 13 sites include 11 locations in the Galang District of Deli Serdang Regency and two locations in Serdang Bedagai Regency, targeted by the provincial integrated team.
He explained that the integrated team comprises the Department of Perindag ESDM, the Department of Environment and Forestry, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services, the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), the Deli Serdang Regency Government, and other relevant agencies.
“All operators of sand-type ‘Galian C’ mines along the Ular River, in both Deli Serdang and Serdang Bedagai, have been ordered to cease operational activities. You must immediately process your permits if you wish to conduct business legally,” said Dedi.
In addition to the enforcement action, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is also providing opportunities for business actors to process permits in accordance with applicable regulations.
“We are closing the illegal ones, but we will assist those who wish to apply for licences. We are not trying to kill businesses, but rather to ensure that all mining activities operate according to the rules,” Dedi added.
According to him, all mining activities must fulfil environmental documentation requirements in accordance with the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number 4 of 2021 to prevent environmental damage.
“The current condition is quite concerning and does not yet meet the requirements for obtaining environmental approval. This enforcement is an important step to direct business actors to comply with environmental documentation provisions,” he concluded.