Residents Report Alleged Illegal Road Hauling in East Kutai 

JAKARTA - The alleged construction of an illegal coal mining hauling road by PT Berkah Usaha Muamalah Nusantara (BUMN) was reported by residents of Sekerat Village, Bengalon District, East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan.

It is suspected that there has been a violation because this activity was carried out while the company still had a special mining business permit (IUPK) for the exploration stage.

"We assess that the construction of this hauling road was carried out while the company was still in the exploration IUPK status, so it has the potential to violate mining regulations and harm the land owners," said Stenly Sahetapy as the lawyer for the affected residents through his written statement, Tuesday, February 3.

Based on the licensing document, PT Berkah Usaha Muamalah Nusantara is listed as having an Exploration Phase IUPK Number 3012220142780004 dated March 4, 2025. However, the company built a hauling road through its contractors and subcontractors.

In fact, construction activities can only be carried out in the production operation phase based on Government Regulation (PP) Nonor 96 of 2021 Juncto PP Number 39 of 2025.

Meanwhile, in the exploration stage, the permit holder can only conduct general investigations, exploration, and feasibility studies.

This report was submitted because the community suffered direct losses. For example, the destruction of their productive crops such as rubber and teak due to heavy equipment activities.

Local residents also complained about dust from the mine vehicle traffic.

Another problem is that the hauling route will be used together with the palm oil plantation company, PT Anugerah Lahan Kaltim which does not have a location permit and business right in Sekerat Village. This finding was obtained from the report of monitoring high-value conservation areas in 2024.

This condition has an impact on the status of ownership of the residents' land which has been worked on since 2011-2017. The closure of the road has been carried out but they have experienced intimidation and pressure.

"We have reported this to the Directorate General of Gakkum ESDM and forwarded it to the Attorney General's Office, KPK, and the President," concluded Stenly.