South Kalimantan ESDM Agency Reports Coal Fire at KM 171 to Directorate General of Minerals and Coal

Banjarmasin (ANTARA) — The Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Agency of South Kalimantan Province has submitted a letter to the Director General of Law Enforcement and the Director General of Minerals and Coal regarding information about a coal fire linked to illegal mining activity at KM 171, Satui, Tanah Bumbu Regency.

Acting Head of South Kalimantan’s ESDM Agency, Nasrullah, explained that under existing authority, the provincial government does not have jurisdiction over coal commodities as stipulated in Law Number 3 of 2020 on Mineral and Coal Mining.

“We wish to convey that coal commodities fall under the authority of the central government in accordance with Law Number 3 of 2020. Therefore, from a regulatory standpoint, the South Kalimantan Provincial ESDM Agency does not have direct authority in handling this matter,” Nasrullah said in Banjarbaru on Tuesday.

The coal fire occurring at KM 171, Satui, Tanah Bumbu Regency, has become a matter of serious concern for the government. The location of the burning coal is known to be within the Coal Contract of Work (PKP2B) concession of PT Arutmin Indonesia and is suspected to be the result of illegal mining activity (PETI).

Nevertheless, the agency continues to take coordinative steps to assist in resolving the black smoke problem arising from the fire.

In addition, a letter has also been sent to the Director of Technical and Environmental Affairs at the Directorate General of Minerals and Coal as part of efforts to accelerate on-the-ground response.

“We hope that through this official communication, the central government can promptly take handling measures in accordance with its authority, so that the smoke problem caused by the coal fire at KM 171 Satui can be resolved as soon as possible,” Nasrullah added.

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government is committed to continuing coordination with relevant parties to safeguard public safety and minimise the environmental impact caused by the incident.