JAKARTA - The Jakarta Special Region (DKJ) Student Executive Board (BEM) alliance stormed the office of PT Wana Kencana Mineral (WKM), located on the 5th floor of the Harmoni Limarga Building on Imam Bonjol Street No. 72, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, August 7.
Hundreds of demonstrators present at the location were initially upset by a security guard's statement that PT WKM no longer had an office in the building.
"According to their deeds, letters, and IUP (Business Permit), they still have an office there," said Aditya Irzam, field coordinator.
The crowd, initially inflamed, ultimately held speeches in front of the PT WKM office. They came to protest alleged exploration and mining activities carried out by PT WKM in East Halmahera Regency, North Maluku. The company is also suspected of not having clear legal permits.
Aditya explained that PT WKM is suspected of conducting exploration and mining activities in an area where the legality of permits is unclear.
"We are currently witnessing a concrete example of how large companies can operate without regard for the law and the rights of the community," said Aditya in his speech from atop a command vehicle.
According to Aditya, due to unrestricted exploitation, Maluku, with its extraordinary natural and cultural wealth, has become a victim of irresponsible business practices and weak state oversight.
"The issue of illegal mining is not just a matter of permits; it's not just a matter of permit documents. This is a matter of justice, of people's sovereignty over their land, and of the future of the environment," Aditya said.
"When a company operates without the consent of indigenous communities and without a transparent environmental impact assessment, what is happening is a new style of colonialism," he continued.
Therefore, the BEM DKJ is calling on law enforcement officials to take action by investigating PT WKM's activities.
"If violations are indeed committed, the legal process must be carried out openly and firmly without compromise," Aditya emphasized.
During this action, the BEM DKJ carried various protest attributes, such as flags and banners containing demands.
Prior to the demonstration at the PT WKM office, on the same day, the Jakarta Provincial Government Student Executive Board (BEM) Alliance also held a demonstration in front of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building. They urged the anti-corruption agency to investigate alleged exploration and mining activities by PT Wana Kencana Mineral (WKM) in East Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, due to alleged unclear permit legality.
The students demanded that the KPK conduct an in-depth investigation and inquiry into PT WKM's activities, including verifying the legality of its permit documents.
Furthermore, the BEM DKJ requested that the Law Enforcement Agency (APH) freeze all operational activities of the company until its legal status and permits are declared clear and valid.
"Take firm action against any parties involved, including officials or officers suspected of supporting illegal mining activities. We urge the APH to immediately question the President Director of PT Wana Kencana Mineral. Properly investigate the state losses caused by PT Wana Kencana Mineral's mining," read the demands on the banner.
Furthermore, the DKJ Student Executive Board (BEM) also demanded that law enforcement not turn a blind eye to the PT WKM permit scandal, restore the rights of indigenous communities, and guarantee protection for their managed areas.
"Involve civil society, academics, and the media in the legal oversight process to ensure transparency and accountability," read the final demand on the banner.
Previously, the DKJ Student Executive Board (BEM) alliance also held demonstrations at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, National Police Headquarters, and the Attorney General's Office on Friday, August 1, 2025. During their demonstration last week, they also reported alleged illegal mining activities by PT Wana Kencana Mineral in East Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province.
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