Fight Illegal Mines, Governor of Kaltara Issues Circular on the Use of Official Materials

TANJUNG SELOR - The North Kalimantan Provincial Government (Kaltara) requires all parties to use mineral material other than metal and rock (MBLB) from companies that have official permits.

The provision is contained in the Circular Letter of the Governor of North Maluku Number 500.10.2.3/39/DESDM/GUB which was issued on April 8, 2026.

The Governor of Kaltara, Zainal A. Paliwang, in the circular letter emphasized that this step was taken in response to the proliferation of unlicensed mining activities in the Kaltara region. The reason is that illegal practices are considered not only damaging the environment, but also undermining the potential for Local Original Income (PAD) from the mining sector.

"Every business actor, government agency, and other parties that need materials such as gravel, sand, stone, and the like must use materials from companies with official permits," the governor said in his circular letter.

The circular also emphasized a strict ban on anyone accepting, accommodating, transporting, processing, or selling material from illegal mines.

"Including the use of illegal materials in development projects funded by the APBD and the APBN," said Zainal.

He explained that the North Kalimantan Provincial Government asked all construction service business actors and material providers to ensure the legality of the source of materials before use.

"In addition, district/city governments are asked to strengthen supervision and enforcement of illegal mining activities in their respective regions," said Zainal.

This refers to Law Number 3 of 2020, mining activities without a permit can be subject to criminal sanctions in the form of a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 100 billion.

"Through this policy, the government hopes that a more orderly, sustainable mining governance will be created, and will make optimal contributions to the region without damaging the environment," he said.