KPK Closes Illegal Gold Mining Location In NTB Sekotong

(ANTARA/HO-KPK)

The KPK closed a location suspected of being a foreign worker (TKA) carrying out illegal gold mining activities in the Sekotong area, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, by installing a warning sign.

Chairman of the Supervision Coordinator Task Force (Korsup) Region V KPK Dian Patria said the purpose of installing the sign at the location was to encourage enforcement of regulations in mining issues, especially those in forest areas.

"So, we are here to accompany the KLHK and the NTB LHK and ESDM offices so that they can enforce the rules," said Dian Patria, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, October 4.

The KPK reminded local governments to pay attention to this issue. If there is illegal activity in forest areas, especially those related to mines, he ensures that this can lead to violations of the law.

"Do not let this illegal mining activity have criminal elements that lead to corruption, bribery or 'backing'. If there are indications like that, (the public) must immediately report it," he said.

From the results of requests for information with the government, the KPK also questioned the existence of a land area of 98.16 hectares from the illegal gold mine that was included in the mining business permit (IUP) area for PT Indotan.

"How come there can be illegal mining, but those who have an IUP don't have a problem. They are only given a small sign, that too in August after all these years," said Dian.

The KPK suspects that the installation of a small sign by PT Indotan in the IUP area is only a mode to avoid taxes to the government.

"This is why the government should not be harmed and the community will be affected by environmental damage due to a conspiracy like this," he said.

The sign installed by the KPK contains the logo of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (LHK), the NTB Provincial Government and the KPK.

In the sign, it is written that everyone is prohibited from carrying out mining activities without a permit in any form within the Pelangan forest area, Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency.

If you violate it, you will face a maximum sentence of 15 years and a maximum fine of Rp. 10 billion as stipulated in Article 89 in conjunction with Article 17 paragraph (1) letter b of Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction.