TANJUNG SELOR - Three defendants in the case of unauthorized mining in the Bulungan area, Juliet Kristianto Liu, Joko Rusdiono and Muhammad Yusuf, were charged with imprisonment for 3 years and 6 months by the prosecutor from the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung). In addition to the body's punishment, the three were also ordered to pay a fine of Rp. 200 million each.
Head of the prosecutor's team, Riyadi, revealed that the indictment was read at the Tanjung Selor District Court, Class IA, last Tuesday (10/2/2026).
"The defendants were proven to have carried out mining without a permit in an area that is in the state's corridor as well as the mining business permit area of other companies," said Riyadi, Monday (16/2/2026).
Riyadi emphasized that this activity was not merely an administrative violation, but a criminal act that was done consciously.
"The defendants knowingly carried out mining without a permit in the territory of the state and IUP of other parties, which resulted in environmental damage," said Riyadi.
"This illegal activity has even been planned before the mining operation was carried out, this is not an administrative error, but an illegal activity that has been planned from the beginning," he continued.
Riyadi explained that in the third indictment, it was stated that he had violated the provisions of Article 158 of the Law on Mineral and Coal Mining as amended. Mining without a permit is considered to have a serious impact on the environment and natural resource governance.
"Illegal mining practices are a concern for the central government because they have the potential to harm the country. Moreover, it is carried out without a valid legal basis and has disrupted the country's protected areas," he said.
He explained that based on their respective roles, Muhammad Yusuf as the director was considered negligent in carrying out operational responsibilities, while Joko Rusdiono was involved in technical implementation in the field.
"Juliet Kristianto Liu as the owner and commissioner who has control over the company's policies and finances," he said.
Then, the attitude of the defendants during the legal process was also considered by the prosecutor. Two defendants were considered cooperative because they admitted their actions, while Juliet was said not to admit involvement.
"The actions of the defendants show disregard for the law and environmental safety," said Riyadi.
It is known that the illegal mining activity took place in the PIT 8 area belonging to the mining business permit area as well as the state corridor in Sesayap Hilir District.
Field inspection results showed that land clearing, trenching, and road construction were carried out in areas without valid permits. Some locations have even turned into puddles due to mining activities.
The trial will continue in the next two weeks with the agenda of reading the defense note (pledoi) from the defendants before the panel of judges issues a verdict.
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