'If The Commander Says A, We Are Also A,' Bahlil Affirms The Attitude Of Illegal Mining Practices

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM)

JAKARTA - President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto emphasized his commitment to take firm action against illegal mining practices throughout Indonesia.

He stressed that law enforcement would be carried out indiscriminately against anyone involved.

Following up on President Prabowo's directive, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia expressed his readiness to take firm steps.

"Law enforcement will be carried out against anyone who commits violations indiscriminately, as stated by the President. If the commander has said A, there should be no additional movements, we are also A," Bahlil said in his statement, Sunday, August 24.

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

According to him, mining in forest areas is often carried out without a Borrow-to-Use Forest Area Permit (IPPKH) or carried out beyond the limits of the permit granted. Meanwhile, mining outside the forest area is considered illegal if you do not have a Mining Business Permit (IUP).

"To anticipate violations related to forests, the President has formed a Forest Area Control Task Force (PKH Task Force) through Presidential Regulation Number 5 of 2025," said Bahlil.

The PKH Task Force is tasked with enforcing the law against misuse of forest areas, including additions, utilizing illegal land, as well as rehabilitating and reclaiming areas that have been misused.

Bahlil hopes that this Presidential instruction will become a strong basis for government officials and law enforcement in eradicating illegal mines. He emphasized that with clear guidelines, there should be no doubt in dismantling illegal mining networks from upstream to downstream in order to maintain the sovereignty of natural resources and the sustainability of the environment in Indonesia.