Ready To Overcome Illegal Mines To Electricity Theft, KESDM Immediately Forms A Joint Task Force

Mining illustration (Photo: dock. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is preparing a law enforcement task force (Gakum) for all sectors in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

Acting Director General of Mineral and Coal (Dirjen Minerba) Bambang Suswantono explained, later this task force consists of a combination of all ministries such as the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Kemenkopolhukam) including law enforcement officers (APH) such as the TNI/Polri and the Prosecutor's Office, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

The task force will consist of 4 parts, including the Illegal Mining Task Force at the Directorate General (Ditjen) of Mineral and Coal (Minerba), the Illegal Drilling Task Force at the Directorate General of Oil and Gas, the Fuel Distribution Task Force at the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) and the Electricity Theft Sector at the Directorate General of Electricity.

"The task force. Until now we have not been formed and are in the process. What is clear is that in the near future the law enforcement task force for the ESDM sector will be held. So we are waiting for the Presidential Decree (Presidential Decree)," Bambang told the media quoted on Tuesday, November 7.

Bambang emphasized that the merger with several Ministries/Institutions was caused by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources not having personnel, so there needed to be cooperation with other parties.

"We already have all the data. In our place (ESDM) there are no personnel problems. We are all staff," continued Bambang.

When asked about the first sector to be worked on after the Task Force was formed, Bambang did not provide a specific answer but he emphasized that he would solve all problems that had occurred a lot throughout Indonesia.

"Everything! In all corners of Indonesia, it is illegal. We start from everywhere. There needs to be a law enforcement task force and a combination. God willing, if this comes out, we will immediately take action," concluded Bambang.

Based on data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, currently 2,741 locations and 1,092 locations have been identified by PETI.

PETI also has an impact on the country's economy because it has the potential to reduce Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) and tax revenues. In addition, it will be detrimental to official/sah mining permit holders (potential losses in 16 Contract areas of Work in 2019 of IDR 1.6 trillion; estimated 2022 IDR 3.5 trillion).