South Sumatra Police Dismantle Illegal Mining Network in Muara Enim

South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) have dismantled an illegal mining network operating in Muara Enim Regency. The law enforcement operation, carried out on 8 and 10 July 2026, successfully uncovered illegal coal mining activities in Penyandingan Village, Tanjung Agung District, and prevented potential state losses estimated at Rp 95.9 billion. The case was uncovered by the Muara Enim Resort Police following eight police reports concerning illegal mining activities within the Mining Business Permit area of PT Bukit Asam Tbk. Eleven suspects were detained with varying roles, ranging from business owners, field foremen, and heavy equipment operators, to drivers and assistants transporting the illegal coal. A representative of PT Bukit Asam management, Taufan, expressed appreciation for the firm action taken by the police in tackling this illegal practice. He stressed that the impact of these unlicensed mining activities is highly significant for the state coffers. “The state revenue lost due to these illegal mining activities amounts to approximately Rp 95.9 billion. The estimated state loss from royalties alone is Rp 8.6 billion. So the state loss is not just from royalties, but also from other taxes and non-tax state revenue,” Taufan stated in a written release on Tuesday. The case came to light after the public reported rampant mining activity and coal transportation traffic without official documents. Following up on the report, Muara Enim Police Chief AKBP Hendri Syaputra ordered the Criminal Investigation Unit Head and his team to conduct an intensive investigation. During the first operation on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, at an illegal stockpile location, officers discovered five trucks loaded with coal ready for shipment and two operating excavators. Eight individuals were detained in this operation. The investigation continued on Friday, 10 July 2026, in the Sungai Bangke area, where the team apprehended three additional suspects. In the disclosure, investigators seized four excavator units, five Colt Diesel trucks carrying approximately 52 tonnes of illegal coal, one motorcycle, eleven mobile phones, and four invalid travel documents. Muara Enim Police Chief AKBP Hendri Syaputra asserted that his party will not tolerate any unlicensed mining practices. “The Muara Enim Police are committed to taking firm action against all perpetrators without exception. We will also continue to develop this case to uncover other parties involved, including the financiers behind this activity,” he said. Similarly, South Sumatra Regional Police Head of Public Relations stated that the regional police continue to prioritise professional law enforcement against crimes that harm the state. “Illegal mining is not only a legal violation but also a threat to economic resilience and environmental sustainability. We appreciate the active role of the community in providing information so that this disclosure could be carried out,” he concluded. Currently, the suspects are undergoing investigation at the Muara Enim Police. Five transport suspects are charged under Article 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020, while the six managers and operators are charged under Article 158 of the same law. Investigators are continuing to probe the network to uncover the involvement of financiers and other parties who profited from these illegal activities.