Police to bust illegal mining firms

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