Indonesian Lawmaker Backs President's Push to Eradicate Illegal Mining

Indonesian legislator Edi Oloan Pasaribu has backed President Prabowo Subianto's call for a robust crackdown on illegal mining, stressing the importance of comprehensive oversight, law enforcement, and sustainable natural resource management. This initiative aims to ensure that resource utilization benefits the public and safeguards both the environment and national revenue.

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I appreciate President Prabowo's firmness. This shows that the state is present and must not allow space for illegal mining practices.

President Prabowo recently disclosed that the government had shut down around 1,000 illegal tin mines. He further instructed the military chief and national police chief to investigate the circumstances that allowed these extensive illegal mining activities to flourish. "I appreciate President Prabowo's firmness. This shows that the state is present and must not allow space for illegal mining practices," Pasaribu stated.

Pasaribu, representing East Kalimantan, a region rich in mining resources, highlighted that effective regulation requires monitoring not only on-site activities but also the entire supply chain. He stressed that legal certainty is crucial for legitimate businesses. "If any officials are proven to be involved or providing protection for illegal mining, they must be investigated transparently and prosecuted according to the law," he added.

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If any officials are proven to be involved or providing protection for illegal mining, they must be investigated transparently and prosecuted according to the law.

The legislator urged that the President's directive serve as a catalyst for a thorough cleanup, asserting that no one should be above the law. He called for decisive action against any state apparatus found complicit in supporting illegal mining. "State institutions must be at the forefront of protecting the law and our natural resources," Pasaribu declared.

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State institutions must be at the forefront of protecting the law and our natural resources.

Furthermore, Pasaribu advocated for enhanced coordination among ministries, regional governments, the military, police, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure consistent oversight and enforcement. Beyond legal action, he called for strengthening permit supervision, regulating the distribution and sale of mined products, and implementing environmental rehabilitation in affected areas. "Indonesia's natural wealth belongs to the nation and must be used wisely," he concluded.

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Indonesia's natural wealth belongs to the nation and must be used wisely.