Central Bangka DPRD Asks Miners To Stop Activities At PT Timah IUPs That Have Not Been Permitted

Chairman of the Central Bangka DPRD, Batianus (ANTARA/Ahmadi)

BABEL - DPRD Central Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, asked tin ore miners to stop mining activities in the Merbuk, Kenari, and Pungguk areas.

The three regions are in the Mining Business Permit (IUP) of PT Timah Tbk, but have not yet obtained a production operation permit.

Chairman of the Central Bangka DPRD, Batianus, said the miners were asked to dismantle the equipment independently while waiting for the issuance of a production permit from PT Timah.

After the permit is issued, the company can issue a Work Order (SPK) so that mining governance runs according to the rules.

"This step is so that miners can work safely and the surrounding community gets protection," said Batianus in Koba, Antara, Wednesday, November 26.

The DPRD does not have the authority to intervene in illegal mining activities because there is no legal basis that allows legislative institutions to regulate these activities.

"However, the arrangement of environmental aspects is also a concern to avoid more severe environmental damage," he said.

The Central Bangka DPRD also accepts the aspirations of the community so that local residents are involved in mining activities through village cooperatives or local community cooperatives. According to Batianus, this involvement is important so that economic benefits can be felt evenly, not only by outsiders.

Batianus said that so far some local residents have only worked as waste seekers, so there has been no significant increase in welfare.

For this reason, the DPRD has discussed the possibility of involvement of village cooperatives with PT Timah. It is hoped that this scheme opens up opportunities for the community so that they do not just become spectators in mining activities.

Batianus emphasized that clear arrangements and legalization of mining in the region are important to prevent social conflict and environmental damage.

"People are expected to be patient until the licensing process is complete and mining activities can run according to applicable regulations," he said.