KPK's Findings About Illegal Sekotong Mine Managed By Chinese Citizens Continued By The NTB Prosecutor's Office

Photo archives - The location of the illegal gold mine allegedly managed by Chinese foreign workers in the IUP area of PT Indotan in the Sekotong area, West Lombok, NTB, Friday (4/10/2024). ANTARA/HO-KPK

The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) High Prosecutor's Office (Kejati) is following up on the findings of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) regarding illegal gold mining activities that are suspected of being managed by foreign workers (TKA) from China in the Sekotong area, West Lombok Regency.

"From the results of coordination with the KPK regarding their field results, we are currently studying and collecting supporting evidence, one of which is from the statements of the related parties," said Head of the NTB Attorney General's Office Enen Saribanon in Mataram, Tuesday, December 10, as reported by Antara.

When this is completed, he ensures that his party will carry out the study and exposure procedures.

"Whether this export will later be increased to the next stage or what," he said.

Kepala Satuan Tugas (Kasatgas) Korsup Wilayah V KPK Dian Patria sebelumnya merilis secara resmi bahwa aktivitas tambang emas ilegal yang diduga dikelola TKA asal China di wilayah Sekotong itu berkomzet Rp1,08 triliun per tahun.

This value arises from an exploitation location with three stockpiles (temporary irregularities in mining products). Due to illegal activities, the turnover was considered by the KPK as a state loss.

The KPK received this value based on the results of going to the illegal gold mining site in the Sekotong area together with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (LHK), the NTB LHK Service, and the NTB Energy and Mineral Resources Service (ESDM).

From the results of field data collection, Dian said that illegal mining activities in the Sekotong area which was allegedly managed by Chinese foreign workers had been running since 2021 on an area of 98.16 hectares. The land was revealed to be in the mining business permit area (IUP) owned by PT Indotan which is in limited production forest status.

From data from the NTB LHK Service, it was also recorded that there were at least 26 illegal mining points in the Sekotong area. The PT Indotan IUP area is also included in the area.

In addition, from the findings of the KPK field, it was seen that there were heavy equipment and chemicals allegedly used in the illegal mining activity. The heavy equipment and chemicals are thought to have been imported abroad.

"Including mercury from China. The special heavy equipment and tarpaulin used for the cyanide watering process also comes from China," said Dian Patria.

Not to mention seeing mercury and cyanide waste produced from the gold processing process. According to Dian, this condition has the potential to pollute the surrounding environment, including water sources and beaches under the mining area.

The illegal gold mine, which is suspected to be managed by Chinese foreign workers, is located in Lendek Bare Hamlet, Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency.

From that location, the KPK also posted a warning sign for banning mining activities without a permit.

Dian ensured that this activity was carried out in accordance with the duties and authorities of the KPK in encouraging the optimization of local taxes or revenues (PAD), which are included in one of the focuses of the Monitoring Center for Prevention (MCP).

"The goal is to increase transparency and accountability in the management of regional income," said Dian Patria.