Police Intervene Investigating Illegal Mining Activities In Bintan

The Bintan Police are conducting an investigation regarding the illegal sand mining (ANTARA) practice.

Bintan Police, Riau Islands Police (Kepri), is investigating allegations of illegal sand mining activities as information circulated in the midst of local residents.

The Bintan Police Chief, AKBP Riky Iswoyo, admitted that he had ordered his staff to go down to the field to ensure the truth of the illegal sand mining.

"The joint team of Satreskim and Polsek within the Bintan Police continue to patrol around and carry out surveillance in the field," said the Police Chief, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, June 9.

The police chief said that several points suspected of illegal sand mining occurred, including in Galang Batang, Gunung Kijang District. However, when the team came to the location, illegal sand mining activities were no longer found.

From the results of the examination, he said, the team only found traces of mining and equipment left by miners, such as pipes and people who were resting in small huts around the location.

"Meanwhile, we have found no engine equipment," said the Bintan Police Chief.

He continued that in the near future the Bintan Police will cooperate with relevant agencies to conduct joint and continuous inspections to prevent and take firm action if there are illegal sand mining activities in the local area.

His party also appealed to the public, both companies and individuals, not to carry out illegal sand mining because it violates the law and can be punished.

Illegal sand mining actors can be punished under Article 158 of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 3 of 2020 (Revision of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 4 of 2009) concerning Mineral and Coal Mining with a maximum imprisonment of 5 years and a maximum fine of Rp. 10 billion, while the conservation can be threatened with Article 161 of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 3 of 2020 (Revision of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 4 of 2009) concerning Mineral and Coal Mining with a maximum threat of 10 years in prison.

"If you want to carry out mining to take care of permits, so that legal legality is obtained from the competent authorities," he asserted.