Demo at the National Police Headquarters, Activists Demand Investigation of Illegal Mining of PT Xinfeng in Bolmong

JAKARTA - Dozens of activists who are members of the Anti Illegal Mining Activists Movement held a demonstration in front of the Indonesian Republic Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri), Jakarta. They urged the authorities to take firm action and resolve the case of alleged unlicensed gold mining (PETI) allegedly carried out by PT Xinfeng Gemah Semesta in Bolaang Mongondow Regency (Bolmong), North Sulawesi.

In his speech, the action coordinator named Acil highlighted the alleged serious violations committed by the company.

"We demand the National Police Chief to intervene! Don't let the law be played with! PT Xinfeng clearly does not have a IUP, but it dares to operate and even reopen the location that has been sealed by the police! This is an insult to the country! Don't let this case go to the wind! Investigate it to the roots!" Acil shouted in front of the line of police on duty.

This case came to light after residents found the activities of foreign nationals (WNA) from China at the mine site. The Bolmong Police have intervened, conducted an investigation, seized heavy equipment, and installed a police line to stop operations.

However, the main highlight is the finding that the location that is in the legal process is suspected to have been reopened.

"In fact, the legal enforcement process is not yet complete. The question is, why can it be reopened? Is PT Xinfeng breaking into the location that has been given a police line? Or are there other parties who help?" Acil asked VOI, Thursday, April 2.

Criminal Threat 10 Years in Prison

This movement emphasized that the action seriously violated Article 134 paragraph (2) and (3) of Law No. 3 of 2020 concerning Minerba, which prohibits mining activities in prohibited places and requires official permits.

Based on Article 158 of the Mining Law, the penalty for illegal miners is very heavy, namely imprisonment for a maximum of 10 years and a fine of up to IDR 10 billion. Meanwhile, for the exploration stage without a permit is regulated in Article 160 with a threat of imprisonment for 1 year or a fine of IDR 200 million.

This is also in line with President Prabowo Subianto's instructions which emphasize that he will regulate around 1,063 illegal mines scattered throughout Indonesia.

Action Claim

Activists are asking for several important points so that this case does not stop in the middle of the road:

1. The legal process against the director of PT Xinfeng must not be "windy".​2. Ask the National Police Chief to pay special attention and supervise the investigation directly. 3. Take firm action against all parties involved in illegal activities in Pusian Village.

"We will not be silent! The state must be present to protect its legal territory from the expropriation of assets by irresponsible individuals," he said.