Prabowo Tak Gentar Skikat Jenderal TNI-Polri Beking Tambang Ilegal

President Prabowo Subianto in a state speech at the DPR MPR Building, Senayan, Jakarta. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto suspects the support from powerful figures, such as the National Police general and the TNI to protect illegal mining activities that have occurred in the country recently.

Prabowo initially said that he had received reports about the rise of illegal mining activities in the country, which amounted to around 1,063 activities. He also confirmed that he would curb the thousands of illegal mines.

"I have been reported by the authorities that there are 1,063 illegal mines," said President Prabowo at the MPR RI Annual Session at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Friday, August 15.

Prabowo emphasized that if converted into rupiah, the value of these mining activities could cost the state up to around Rp. 300 trillion.

Therefore, Prabowo asked all parties to assist the state in eliminating illegal mining practices or activities, including members of the House of Representatives (DPR) to the elite politicians.

Prabowo mengungkapkan, biasanya praktik aktivitas tambang ilegal yang kerap terjadi di berbagai wilayah 'dibekingi' oleh sosok penting di belakangnya. Mulai dari oknum Polisi hingga TNI, bahkan para pentinggis Jenderal.

"Are there big people, strong people, generals from anywhere?" Prabowo asked.

However, the President admitted that he was not afraid of these individuals.

"We will act on behalf of the people," said Prabowo.