Coordinating Ministry For Political, Legal And Security Affairs Affirms Generals Should Not Be Illegal Mining Beking

Deputy Coordinating Minister For Political, Legal And Security Affairs Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus At The Coordinating Ministry For Political, Legal And Security Affairs Building, Jakarta, Sunday (17/8/2025) (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Deputy Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Wamenko Polkam) Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus emphasized that generals from any agency are prohibited from ranking illegal mining practices.

This practice is highly prohibited because illegal mining tends to only harm the community in terms of regional income or natural conditions.

"The rules or laws are not indiscriminate. It does not regulate that generals may violate, if this may violate. Everything is of course the same before the law," Lodewijk said when met at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Building, Jakarta, Sunday.

This is in accordance with President Prabowo Subianto's statement during a speech at the MPR RI Annual Session at the Nusantara Building, Jakarta, Friday (15/8).

Lodewijk explained that the government is very committed to eradicating illegal mining practices, especially those that have the backing of unscrupulous officials.

One form of commitment is the plan to form a special mining desk in the ranks of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs.

"But because the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has formed a Director General of Law Enforcement. So, we monitor what the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has done regarding this," explained Lodewijk.

He also ensured that the supervision and prosecution of illegal mines would be carried out transparently in order to maintain public trust.

Previously, Prabowo emphasized that he would take firm action against generals, both from the TNI and Polri institutions, including retired generals, who protect or bombard illegal mines.

"I warn whether there are big people, strong people, generals from anywhere, whether the generals from the TNI, or generals from the police, or former generals, there is no reason! We will act on behalf of the people," said President Prabowo when delivering his State Speech at the MPR RI Annual Session.

President Prabowo said he would not be afraid and resigned even if the generals or former generals were backing down.

"I've been an Indonesian for a long time. Everything is done, especially since I'm a senior, a former soldier. So, don't mess with juniors," said Prabowo.

President Prabowo, on that occasion, showed his seriousness not to selectively take action against illegal mining actors, including those who protect these rogue businessmen. The reason is, the potential loss to the state due to illegal mining has at least reached Rp300 trillion.

"I have been reported by the authorities that there are 1,603 illegal mines and the potential wealth generated by 1,063 illegal mines is reported, the potential loss to the state is a minimum of IDR 300 trillion," said the President.

Therefore, President Prabowo also asked for the support of all Indonesian people, including representatives of the people and all political parties to eradicate illegal mines.