Two Illegal Sand Miners in Lebak Named as Suspects

Two sea sand miners in Wanasalam District, Lebak Regency, identified by the initials J and D, have been named suspects by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Lebak Police. Both are mine operators who hold no mining business licence (IUP), making their operations illegal.

“There are two people who have been named suspects, with the initials J and D,” said the Head of Public Relations at Lebak Police, Inspector Moestafa Ibnu Syafir, on Wednesday (15/7/2026).

Moestafa said the case came to light following reports from local residents who were troubled by the mining activity. Police immediately processed the crime scene and found evidence of illegal mining.

“It started with residents who felt uneasy reporting it to the village. The village authorities could not handle it, so they reported it to the police,” he said.

Moestafa added that the suspects sold the sand to areas outside Banten, where it was used to meet construction needs.

“It was sold outside the region,” he said.

According to Moestafa, although they have been named suspects, the two perpetrators have not been detained by police. This is because they were deemed cooperative and their families provided guarantees.

“Because the family stood as guarantors, and according to investigators they were cooperative, did not dispose of evidence and admitted their actions. On that basis, detention has not been carried out, but the suspect designation has been made,” he said.

As a result of their actions, the two suspects have been charged under Article 158 and Article 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020, amending Law Number 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining. They face a maximum prison sentence of five years and fines of up to Rp 100 billion.