Police to bust illegal mining firms

BANJARMASIN: The police threatened on Monday to crack down on 14 illegal coal mining companies which have been operating illegally for decades in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

The illegal mines are believed to have caused serious damage to the environment as well as adversely affected local government revenue.

According to a spokesman for the Banjarmasin Police, Comr. Sunanto, the illegal mining must be halted as it is contrary to Law No. 11/1967 on mining.

The police have identified 14 owners of illegal mining companies. These include Sugito, Sofyan, Basyid, Mi'ing, M. Rizal, Kulimat Harahap, Anang Aib, HM Rifai and Haslil, all of whom operate their businesses in Kotabaru, Tanah Laut, and Tapin regencies. Some of the companies involved are PT Jasa Utama, PT Jasa Makmur Sentosa, PT Sidomulyo, PT Tunggal Jaya Makmur, and village cooperative Murah Rejeki.

"The arrest of these companies' owners will be the last resort if they continue to ignore our persuasive approach," Sunanto said. --JP