Accused Of Illegal Mining, RMKE Opens Voice

PT RMK Energy Tbk opened its voice regarding the alleged subsidiary, PT Truba Bara Banyu Enim (TBBE) carried out illegal mining.

"The alleged illegal mining aimed at the Company is not true," said the Director of Operations of the Company, William Saputra, Thursday, August 31.

He revealed that RMKE is a coal logistics service company integrated with the railway line in South Sumatra, while TBBE is a subsidiary of the Company engaged in coal mining with a Mining Business License (IUP) for Production Operations with Number SK 687/KPTS/TAMBEN/2011 which is valid until November 22, 2031.

For this reason, continued William, all TBBE operational activities are located at the IUP location in Gunung Megang and Benakat Districts, Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra Province with a total mining area of 10,220 Ha.

"The object of the alleged illegal mining referred to in the news is a small part of the TBBE mining area located on Jalan Pramuka Gunung Megang, which is only known to belong to the Regional Government," said William.

Meanwhile, in 2020, he said, TBBE purchased an area of approximately 2,400 m2 in good faith and guaranteed by the Village Head. However, the land has not yet been issued so that the Company cannot check with the National Land Agency (BPN) which has the authority in the land sector.

"In this case, the Company does not know that the road is an asset belonging to the Regional Government until the legal process begins in early January 2023, the land was purchased through an individual who at that time had an official land ownership letter in his personal name and the Company had carried out land acquisition procedures appropriately and correctly," explained William.

Regarding the ongoing legal process and the determination of the suspects 'persons involved' by the Muara Enim District Attorney, William ensured that the Company would comply, cooperate, and fully submit to the ongoing legal process and be ready to take responsibility if this legal process had a decision with permanent legal force (inkracht).

"The company has also entrusted state compensation to the Muara Enim District Attorney," added William.

He reiterated that RMKE is a company engaged in coal logistics services and does not move in the mining business sector. RMKE and its subsidiaries run their businesses with valid operational permits and are issued by the authorities.

In the future, the Company will further improve the implementation of better GCG in all operational activities to ensure the sustainability of the Company's business.

"We respect and leave it entirely to the ongoing legal process and ensure that operational and financial performance will not be significantly affected," concluded William.