Presidential Instructions On Illegal Mining, Members Of The Indonesian House Of Representatives Remind ESDM Not To Play Games

Member of the House of Representatives from the Papuan electoral district Yan Permenas Mandenas. (ANTARA/Personal Documentation)

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Yan Permenas Mandenas asked the government, especially the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to seriously follow up on President Prabowo Subianto's instructions regarding controlling illegal mining.

Yan Mandenas enyoroti is still rampant in illegal mines in Papua, Central Papua, Papua Mountains, Southwest Papua, and West Papua.

"I hope that the assistants of the President can translate and openly open illegal mining flags that are still rampant throughout the territory of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," said the member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Papua Electoral Region (Dapil), as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, August 16.

He revealed several locations including in Wasirawi Village, Wasirawi District, Manokwari Regency, West Papua.

Furthermore, in Wapoga District, Waropen Regency, Papua. Then, in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains (gold mine) and in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua (nickel mine).

"Some of these locations are still operating despite criticism from the community and local governments," said Yan Mandenas.

He emphasized that natural resource management (SDA) in Indonesia must be returned for the benefit of the community, not certain groups.

"So that all natural resources of our mining potential spread throughout Indonesia can be managed by the community and not managed by certain elements who benefit groups and corporations, but on behalf of the local community or indigenous peoples," he said.

He also revealed indications of omission by officers to related ministries in handling illegal mines.

"So, in principle there are indications of an omission process. Until now, control has not been carried out and there are indications of involvement of certain individuals in related ministries or institutions. One of the conflicts that has occurred in the regions, up to the existence of rebellion is the protection of illegal mines that are still operating today in Papua," he said.

For this reason, he also appreciated President Prabowo's steps in committing to reorganizing natural resources towards national independence.

He hopes that the momentum of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day will be a turning point for the government in carrying out massive control of illegal mining practices.

"I hope that President Prabowo's assistants can show enthusiasm in making massive changes. All natural resources that we have must be managed for the welfare and prosperity of the community, not actually controlled by certain groups or corporations on behalf of indigenous peoples," he said.

In his speech at the Annual Session of the MPR RI, Friday (15/8), President Prabowo emphasized that he would not protect anyone, including members of the coalition and its parties, if proven to be involved in illegal mining activities.

Prabowo revealed that there are 1,063 illegal mines in Indonesia with a potential state loss of IDR 300 trillion.

"I have been reported by the authorities that there are 1,063 illegal mines, where the potential wealth generated by 1,063 illegal mines is reported to be at least IDR 300 trillion," said Prabowo.