KOTAMOBAGU Perintis Village Unit Cooperative (KUD) expressed concern over the rise of illegal mining activities in their concession areas which include Kotamobagu City and Bolaang Mongondow (Bolmong) Regency, North Sulawesi (Sultra).
KUD Perintis is the legal holder of the Mining Business Permit (IUP) issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).
The head of the Perintis KUD, Jasman Tongi, said that illegal mining activities took place openly and damaged the environment. He also revealed that there were allegations of involvement of certain individuals who ranked the perpetrators, so that these activities continued even though they clearly violated the law.
"We have officially reported to the Kotamobagu Police, and the information we received, the police have pocketed the names of the perpetrators. However, until now they are still free to operate, as if they are above the law," said Jasman, in his statement, Sunday, June 15.
In fact, according to Article 158 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining (UU Minerba), anyone who carries out mining without a permit can be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp100 billion.
Head of Mining Engineering (KTT) of the KUD Perintis Sarwo Edi Lewier regretted the weakness of law enforcement against illegal mining actors.
He emphasized that the Perintis KUD carries out mining operations in accordance with legal rules, environmental rules, and work safety.
"We obey the rules. But those who violate are free to operate. The state is harmed, the law is harassed," said Sarwo.
In addition to damaging the environment, the illegal mining practice also harms the state in terms of tax and royalty revenues. As the official IUP holder, the Perintis KUD expressed its commitment to fiscal compliance and environmental protection.
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"We are fighting for not only the rights of cooperatives, but also the sovereignty of the law and the state's right to legal income from the mining sector. If this continues, it will become a bad precedent nationally," added Jasman.
The Perintis KUD urges the Kapolres Kotamobagu, Polda North Sulawesi, and law enforcement officers at the central level to immediately act decisively against the perpetrators. The state, they said, must be present and side with law-abiding business actors, not even giving space to violators of the rules.
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