The East Kalimantan Regional Police succeeded in uncovering eight cases of illegal mining, consisting of seven coal mines and one gold mine in West Kutai. One of the biggest cases occurred in the Archipelago Capital (IKN) area, precisely in the Tahura Bukit Soeharto conservation forest area, Samboja District, Kutai Kartanegara. The Director of Certain Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Nunung Syaifuddin, said on Thursday, July 17 2025 in Surabaya, that the illegal mine had been operating for almost a decade with an open land area of 160 hectares.
This activity is strongly suspected to have caused losses to the state of up to IDR 5.7 trillion due to coal exploitation without permits and without contribution to the state treasury, including losses from natural damage. As a result of the action, the police confiscated 351 coal containers which were packed in sacks and contained in containers to make them appear legal when distributed. A total of 248 containers were found at Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya, and 103 other containers at Kariangau Port, Balikpapan.
The police revealed that the perpetrators used fake documents in the names of two official mining companies, namely PT MMJ and PT BMJ, to facilitate the delivery of illegal coal. In this case, three suspects have been named, namely two sellers with the initials YH and CH, and one buyer with the initials MH.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil, also responded to this case and expressed his concern. He emphasized that illegal mining activities should not be allowed, especially if they occur in national priority areas such as IKN. The government supports firm steps by law enforcement officials to take action against all parties involved.
The investigation is still ongoing, and the police continue to investigate the possibility of other perpetrators, including the alleged involvement of individuals protecting this activity. This case is in the public spotlight because it shows weak supervision in the field. Apart from being detrimental to the country, this activity also pollutes the environment and disrupts IKN’s strategic development. It is necessary to improve the monitoring system so that similar practices do not occur again.
Image Source: Tempo and UGM
Source: CNN Indonesia, Tempo, and CNBC Indonesia.
Source: www.minercomedia.com
