West Java Governor Jamin Alih Workers at 5 KBB Lime Mines Closed

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi/ANTARA/Ricky Prayoga

BANDUNG - The West Java Provincial Government guarantees the transfer of jobs (job transfer) and the distribution of assistance for about 1,000 workers affected by the permanent closure of five limestone mining and industrial sites in the Padalarang-Cipatat area, West Bandung Regency (KBB).

The step of taking firm action in the form of a total suspension of limestone industry operations was taken by the West Java Provincial Government after evaluating a series of serious violations that included various aspects of spatial planning, environmental, to licensing.

"Yes, it has been closed permanently because it has violated from any side," said West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 4.

After the closure of the mining area, Dedi revealed that the main focus of the government is now on the survival of local workers and workers.

However, during the data collection process, a significant spike in the number of residents who volunteered as recipients of assistance and job transfer programs was reported, swelling from the initial data of 508 people to around 1,000 people.

"The number of people who need assistance and job transfers has increased, from 508 to 1,000 people," said Dedi.

Dedi expressed concern that there were parties who tried to take advantage of the momentum of the government's social assistance distribution.

Therefore, the West Java Provincial Government is now deploying a team to verify and identify data on workers strictly in the field.

"Usually, when you want to get help, the number changes. But, we are identifying that they are really workers in the mining sector and the lime industry there," said Dedi.

Even though it applies data filtering precisely, KDM ensures that all mine workers who pass the factual verification will be fully accommodated to be transferred to a new employment sector.

"All of them are accommodated because they really work in that sector (limestone mines)," said Dedi.