Follow The President's Directives For Strict Action On Illegal Mining, Bahlil: If The Commander Says A, We Are Also A

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia (doc. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources).

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, ensured that his party would take firm action against illegal mining actors.

This is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directives which are committed to enforcing the law indiscriminately against those involved in these illicit activities.

"Law enforcement will be carried out against anyone who commits indiscriminate violations as stated by the President."

"Anyone who violates the law and I as an assistant to the President must do the same, if the commander has said A, there should be no additional movement, we are also A," Bahlil said in his statement, Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Bahlil explained that illegal mining activities are divided into two categories, namely in forest areas and outside forest areas.

Illegal mines in forest areas are usually carried out without a Borrow-to-Use Forest Area Permit (IPPKH) or exceeding the area of permits granted.

Meanwhile, illegal mining outside the forest area was carried out without obtaining a Mining Business License (IUP).

"To anticipate violations of mining activities related to forests, the President has formed a Forest Area Control Task Force (PKH Task Force) as stated in Presidential Regulation Number 5 of 2025," he said.

The PKH Task Force is given the mandate to take firm action against violations of the use of forest areas, including illegal additions, misuse of land, as well as re-rehabilitation and control of areas that are misused.

This task force is led directly by the Minister of Defense, with the Attorney General, the TNI Commander, and the National Police Chief as vice chairman. The members consist of seven ministers, one of whom is the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.

The President's instructions regarding the eradication of illegal mines, Bahlil stressed, serve as a guideline for all levels of government and law enforcement officials to act without hesitation.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized his commitment to saving state assets that could potentially reach Rp300 trillion through controlling 1,063 illegal mining activity points detected throughout Indonesia.

"We will regulate mines that violate the rules. I have been reported by the authorities that there are 1,063 illegal mines," said the President when delivering his state speech at the MPR RI Annual Session at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on August 15, 2025.

On that occasion, the Head of State asked for full support from the MPR, DPR, and all political parties to jointly support the Government's firm steps to curb illegal practices in the mining sector.

The President also issued a stern warning to officials, including TNI and Polri generals, who were proven to protect or be involved in illegal mining activities. According to him, this practice is a betrayal of the state and will not be tolerated.