Addressing the Threat of Illegal Coal Mining in Berau Regency: Joint Patrol
Discovers Three Heavy Equipment Units
Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, has once again come into the spotlight after illegal coal mining activities were uncovered by a joint team from the Berau Police and PT Berau Coal. On Monday, June 10, 2024, a routine patrol conducted by both parties resulted in concerning discoveries along Km 27 and Km 33 on the Labanan-Kelay Poros Road.
During the patrol, the joint team found three units of heavy equipment used for mining activities, operating without the necessary permits. The illegal mining site was abandoned when the team arrived, indicating non-compliance with existing regulations.
According to the reports, the heavy equipment had been hidden in the forest, suggesting an effort to evade detection by authorities. Additionally, the team discovered several mining pits that did not meet proper mining standards, posing potential environmental damage and significant loss to the state.
The management of PT Berau Coal’s concessions is a key focus in enforcing laws related to illegal mining. I. Punto Prabowo, Security Manager at PT Berau Coal, stated that the seizure and securing of evidence have been carried out as an initial step towards further legal proceedings. He emphasized the company’s commitment to continue patrolling and taking action against illegal mining activities to protect environmental sustainability and company concessions.
“This patrol is part of our effort to eliminate Illegal Mining Activities (PETI) in PT Berau Coal’s concession areas. Despite facing challenging terrain and obstacles such as wooden barricades intended to hinder our patrol, we remain determined to enforce the regulations,” Punto said.
Local government and police also fully support these efforts. They stress the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors in maintaining environmental sustainability and preventing state losses due to damaging illegal practices.
Thus, the enforcement actions against illegal mining in Berau Regency serve as a concrete example of commitment to addressing environmental and economic issues in the region. It is hoped that these efforts will deter illegal mining perpetrators and set a foundation for more responsible natural resource management in the future.
