APBI Supports Government Steps To Control Illegal Miners

JAKARTA - Executive Director of the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI) Hendra Sinadia supports the government's steps in controlling illegal mining actors (PETI).

According to him, PETI is increasingly prevalent in a number of places, especially when commodity prices are high, so it requires a commitment in law enforcement to prevent or overcome them.

"APBI supports all efforts made by the Government to overcome the rampant activities of PETI. Such irresponsible activities often occur when there is a spike in commodity prices," Hendra told VOI, Wednesday, July 13.

He added that APBI member companies also often coordinate with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) in reporting on these activities.

"As far as we know, companies that have suffered losses have also reported to the security forces. Indeed, the most important thing is consistent law enforcement," he added.

Based on data from the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal, there are more than 2,700 PETI locations spread across Indonesia.

Of this number, there are around 96 locations for coal PETI and 2,645 mineral PETI locations based on data for 2021 (quarter III).

One of the largest PETI locations is in South Sumatra Province.

PETI is an activity to produce mineral or coal carried out by the community or company without a permit, does not use good mining principles, and has negative impacts on the environment, economy and social.

"PETI is an activity without a permit, and it triggers environmental damage. This activity also triggers horizontal conflicts within the community," said Director of Engineering and the Environment for Mineral and Coal, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Sunindyo Suryo Herdadi

In addition, PETI also ignores obligations, both to the state and to the surrounding community.

"Because they are not licensed, of course they will ignore the obligations that are the responsibility of miners as they should. They are not subject to the obligations of IUP and IUPK holders to formulate community development and empowerment programs, including the allocation of funds," said Sunindyo.

Facing PETI, the Government does not remain silent. The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources together with the Ministry of Forestry and Environment (KLHK), the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Indonesian Police, continue to work together to tackle PETI.

"Efforts are being made, among others, by taking an inventory of PETI locations, structuring mining areas and supporting regulations to support people-based mining, data collection and monitoring by the Mining Inspector, proposals for determining People's Mining Areas (WPR) according to the proposals of the Regional Government, to law enforcement efforts," he explained. .