Bahlil Vows Crackdown on Illegal Mining Without Exceptions
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia says the government enforces strict measures against illegal mining without favoritism, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive delivered on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025.
“The enforcement of law will apply to anyone involved in violations, exactly as stated by the President. As a minister under his leadership, I must do the same,” Bahlil said in an official statement in Jakarta.
Bahlil explained that illegal mining activities fall into two categories: those conducted inside forest areas and those outside. In forest areas, illegal operations are usually carried out without a Forest Area Utilization Permit, known locally as IPPKH, or by exceeding the licensed boundaries. Outside forest zones, violations occur when operators lack a valid Mining Business Permit (IUP).
To address these issues, President Prabowo established a dedicated task force through Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2025 on Forest Area Enforcement. The Forest Area Enforcement Task Force, or Satgas PKH, was mandated to pursue violations in forest utilization, prevent land misuse, and carry out reforestation and reclamation efforts.
Illustration of mining activity in Kalimantan, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. Photo: Investortrust/Mohammad Defrizal.
The task force is led by Minister of Defense Prabowo’s appointee, with the Attorney General, the Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces, and the National Police Chief as deputy leaders. Seven ministers, including Bahlil himself, serve as members.
“The President’s instruction on illegal mining must serve as a clear guideline for all government officials and law enforcement agencies,” Bahlil said.
He emphasized that the policy eliminates hesitation or fear in dismantling illegal mining networks from upstream to downstream, ensuring that Indonesia protects its natural resources and environmental sustainability.
“If the commander says A, then there must not be any deviation. We also must say A,” Bahlil stressed.
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