LPP-Tipikor NGO Holds Action, Demands Illegal Mining Closure In East Halmahera

JAKARTA The Public Organization (NGO) of the North Maluku Corruption Eradication and Supervisory Agency (LPP-Tipikor) held a protest in the mining area of PT Position, Maba District, East Halmahera, Tuesday (13/5/2025). This action is a form of rejection of alleged illegal mining activities carried out by the company.

In his oration, the Chairperson of the North Maluku LPP-Tipikor, Zainal Ilyas, stated that PT Position is strongly suspected of carrying out mining activities outside the legitimate business permit area, including clearing land and extracting nickel minerals in the production forest area without official permits in the form of approval for the Use of Forest Areas (PPKH).

"We suspect that this activity does not go through procedures in accordance with statutory provisions, so it should be categorized as a forestry crime," said Ilyas in a written statement, Thursday (15/5/2025).

According to him, PT Position not only violates forestry provisions, but is also suspected of contaminating the Sangaji River in Wailukum Village, Maba City District, due to uncontrolled mining activities.

In its action, LPP-Tipikor North Maluku voiced five main demands against PT Position, namely:

Strictly refused all mining activities of PT Position which were carried out outside the Mining Business License (IUP).

Condemns environmental pollution in the Watershed (DAS) of Sangaji River, which is suspected to be a direct result of mining activities.

Urging the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to immediately evaluate and impose strict sanctions on PT Position.

Urges the National Police Chief to follow up on alleged violations of the law committed by PT Position, both related to illegal mining and environmental pollution.

Encourage the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to take firm action against the opening of production forest areas without permission in accordance with the mandate of the law.

This action was under tight guard from the East Halmahera Police. Police Chief AKBP H. Hidaytullah confirmed the action even though his party admitted that he did not receive an official notification from the organizers.

"Although there was no previous notification, we are still escorting the action in order to maintain security and order. Submission of aspirations takes place in an orderly manner," he said.

LPP-North Maluku Lupikor emphasized that they will continue to oversee this issue and will not hesitate to take further action if there is no concrete step from the authorities. They stated their commitment to rejecting all forms of PT Position activities in East Halmahera which are considered to violate the law and damage the environment.