Satgas PKH Ready to Take PT PMM to Court Over Rare Earth Minerals Container Case in Batam

The Forest Area Clearance Task Force (Satgas PKH) has stated it is prepared to face any legal action that PT Putraprima Mineral Mandiri (PMM) may take over the discovery of alleged rare earth mineral export violations in Batam, Riau Islands. Satgas PKH spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak stressed that all actions taken by authorities are based on facts and evidence found in the field, including laboratory test results of materials inside the containers. ‘Of course we are ready. We have authentic factual evidence on the ground,’ Barita said on Friday, 29 May 2026. According to Barita, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) investigative team is working professionally to probe the case. He stated that the alleged violations did not arise spontaneously but were based on scientific examination and testing of materials. Barita revealed that during the inspection process, PT PMM initially refused to test the materials inside the containers. In contrast, he said containers from PT Timah were cooperative and willing to match documents with the physical condition of the goods. According to Barita, PT PMM’s objections became one of the indicators that investigators further examined through sample collection and laboratory testing. ‘From the laboratory sample test results, indications of violations were found,’ he said. Barita stressed that the case is still being investigated to determine whether a criminal offence occurred and who should be held accountable. He also reminded that the export of rare earth minerals is strictly prohibited under current export trade regulations. ‘The export of rare earth minerals is banned under government export trade regulations,’ Barita said.