Stamping out smuggling is a difficult task that must be

Stamping out smuggling is a difficult task that must be
supported by all parties concerned; otherwise, it will be futile.

Tin has been smuggled out of Indonesia since the 18th century,
when Indonesia was still a Dutch colony. Today, tin smuggling is
increasing in frequency and volume, especially because a lot of
non-traditional tin mines are operated by individuals. Much of
this tin is smuggled abroad without any taxes paid to the local
administration.

State-owned tin mining company PT Timah Tbk should thus team
up with the National Police and the Navy, as well as other
relevant agencies, to ensure that active measures may be taken
against tin smugglers.

PT Timah Tbk has been trying to stamp out tin smuggling, but
its efforts have always been hampered by the lack of law
enforcement on the part of the police and the judiciary.

In the absence of firm law enforcement, tin smugglers are
quickly freed after their arrests. Therefore, close cooperation
with law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, should
immediately be established to put an end to tin smuggling.

ANWAR MUZAMIL
Bangka