Stamping out tin smuggling

Stamping out tin smuggling

From Media Indonesia

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