South Sumatra Police Failed To Send 40 Tons Of Illegal Coal To Jakarta

PALEMBANG - South Sumatra Police thwarted efforts to send 40 tons of illegal coal from Muara Enim to Jakarta.

Head of Sub-Directorate IV Tipidter Ditreskrimsus Polda Sumsel AKBP Ahmad Budi Martono said the disclosure was made when officers stopped a green tronton Hino truck numbered BE 8537 BO on Jalan Garuda, Lintas Sumatra, East Baturaja District, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency (OKU).

After being investigated, the driver named Eddi Simultaneous Ginting admitted that the coal came from an illegal mine in the Tanjung Agung District, Muara Enim Regency, and was planned to be sent to Jakarta.

In addition to securing the driver, the officers also confiscated evidence in the form of a tronton truck along with a cargo of about 40 tons of coal, a vehicle registration certificate, a cell phone unit, and a travel document in the name of PT Tubba Jaya Putra Coal. Vehicles and cargo are currently deposited in PT Semen Baturaja as evidence.

Currently, investigators from the South Sumatra Police Ditreskrimsus are still investigating this case, including the possibility of involvement of companies and other parties in the illegal coal distribution network.

"This illegal activity has harmed the state, damaged the ecosystem and had a negative impact on people's lives. We will investigate thoroughly to the intellectual actors," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 23.

For his actions, the perpetrator will be charged with Article 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining, with a maximum imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of IDR 100 billion.