PDIP Highlights Hundreds of Unreclaimed Mining Pits in South Kalimantan

Jakarta – A member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PDIP faction, Mercy Barends, has raised concerns about the presence of hundreds of unreclaimed mining pits in South Kalimantan province.

Based on data released by the Indonesian Environmental Forum (WALHI), there are more than 800 mining pits that remain unclosed and have resulted in fatalities among the public.

“Until 2026, approximately 20 deaths have been recorded, both children and adults, as a result of abandoned mining pits,” she stated in a written statement on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

According to her, this situation demonstrates weak oversight and post-mining management, necessitating serious measures, including the development of a clear road map for closing mining pits and organising mining areas to prevent harm to the safety of surrounding communities.

“Although there has been information that warning signs have been installed, installation of signs alone is insufficient because the area itself must be clarified with proper buffer zones. These specific points must be properly designated so that people do not freely enter and exit mining environments,” she said.

“And I believe this is what we must emphasise – mining operations may proceed, but only mining that complies with regulations, and all parties involved must be firmly held accountable, whether corporate entities,” she continued.

She also emphasised the involvement of officials who have backed illegal mining operations and failed to implement post-mining management measures.

“Officials who have assisted illegal mining and other such activities. I believe post-mining management must be conducted in accordance with the principles of sustainable mining so that environmental impacts and public safety risks can be minimised,” she said.