PKH Task Force seizes 111.71 hectares of illegal mining in IKN area

The Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH) has reclaimed 111.71 hectares of forest land used by PT Singlurus Pratama for illegal coal mining activities in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan.

Satgas PKH spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak said the reclamation was carried out after a joint team conducted field verification and validation as well as document tracing.

The reclamation of the area in the Bukit Soeharto Forest Park (Tahura), Samboja, Kutai Kartanegara, took place on Monday (31/8) and was marked by the installation of signage by Satgas PKH.

Based on the verification results, Satgas PKH found that the conservation forest area had been used for mining activities without a Forest Area Use Approval (PPKH).

The total affected area reached 111.71 hectares, with a potential fine area of 101.44 hectares.

For the unauthorised use of the forest area, the government has set a potential administrative fine of Rp147.31 billion against PT Singlurus Pratama.

Satgas PKH said the company has paid Rp25 billion of the potential administrative fine.

Head of Satgas PKH Implementation and Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Kuntadi said the reclamation of the area holds strategic significance because of its proximity to the Nusantara Capital City (IKN).

According to him, the enforcement action serves as a deterrent while affirming that there is no tolerance for illegal activities in the IKN buffer zone.

Kuntadi said the enforcement is not the final step, but rather the beginning of sustainable forest area management.

“Satgas PKH will continue to sweep and take firm action against all illegal plantation and mining activities within forest areas across Indonesia without discrimination, in order to save state finances and preserve the environment for future generations,” he said.