PTBA Supports Police in Uncovering Illegal Coal Mining Operation in Muara Enim
PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk (PTBA), a member of the MIND ID state-owned mining holding, has expressed full support for the Muara Enim Police and South Sumatra Regional Police in uncovering an illegal coal mining operation within the company’s Mining Business Permit (IUP) area in Penyandingan Village, Tanjung Agung District, Muara Enim Regency.
Muara Enim Deputy Police Chief Kompol Toni Arman stated that the successful operation, carried out in two phases, was a result of synergy between law enforcement and PTBA to protect state assets, safeguard the environment, and ensure mining governance complies with legislation. “From the two operations conducted on 8 and 10 July 2026, we have secured a total of 11 suspects with eight police reports. The investigation will continue to be developed to uncover other involved parties, including landowners and those who profited from these illegal activities,” he said in a press release received on Tuesday (14/7/2026).
During the first operation on 8 July 2026 at around 6:30 PM local time at a stockpile area in Penyandingan Village, officers arrested eight suspects, including five truck drivers, one checker, one heavy equipment operator, and one business operator. Evidence seized included two excavators, approximately 52 tonnes of coal, and several mobile phones. In a follow-up operation on 10 July 2026 at the same location, police apprehended three additional business operators and confiscated two more heavy equipment units, a motorcycle, three mobile phones, and more illegally mined coal.
All suspects are charged under Article 158 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Amendments to Law Number 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp 100 billion. Investigations revealed that the perpetrators transported coal at night, covering the loads with tarpaulins to evade detection. The illegally mined coal was sold below standard market prices and is suspected to have been shipped to the Greater Jakarta area. The state’s potential revenue loss from this illegal activity is estimated at Rp 95.9 billion, with potential royalty losses estimated at Rp 8.6 billion.
PTBA’s Tanjung Enim Mining Site General Manager, Satria Wirawan, expressed his appreciation for the swift action taken by the police. “We appreciate the Muara Enim Police and South Sumatra Regional Police for successfully uncovering these illegal mining activities within PT Bukit Asam’s IUP area,” he stated. Satria emphasised that unlicensed mining not only harms state revenue but also threatens public safety, damages the environment, and disrupts mining operations conducted according to good mining practices.
“PTBA is committed to continuously synergising with law enforcement to safeguard state assets and ensure that natural resource management is carried out legally, responsibly, and sustainably,” he added. The company will strengthen coordination with the South Sumatra Regional Police, Muara Enim Police, and relevant stakeholders to secure locations that have been subject to enforcement actions to prevent the recurrence of illegal mining activities. PTBA also urged the public to actively participate in preserving the environment and to report any suspected illegal mining activities to the authorities.