Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — West Java’s Energy and Mineral Resources Agency (ESDM) has identified 176 illegal mining sites across 16 regencies and one city in the province, according to officials.
“The total number of illegal mining sites in West Java is 176,” said Bambang Tirto Yuliono, head of the provincial ESDM agency, during a press briefing in Cirebon, Sunday (June 1).
He noted that the data was gathered through cross-regional monitoring efforts and has already been reported to law enforcement authorities.
In response, the agency is ramping up administrative oversight of licensed mining operations to prevent exploration permits from being misused for unauthorized extraction.
As part of this oversight, the agency plans to issue two official circulars. The first will go to 233 companies holding Production Operation Mining Business Permits (IUP-OP), urging them to conduct legal and orderly mining activities in line with their approved work plans.
“We’ll send a letter from me personally to all IUP-OP holders, reminding them to follow proper operational protocols,” Bambang said.
The second letter will target 109 companies holding Exploration Mining Business Permits (IUP-Exploration), warning them not to engage in full-scale mining outside their permitted exploration activities.
Read Also:
Indonesia Targets 100 Modern Fishermen Villages in 2025 to Boost Coastal Economy
Bambang said this step is crucial, as some operators are suspected of using exploration licenses as a front for illegal mining.
To strengthen oversight of licensed mines, the agency will rely on the mandatory Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) documents submitted annually by companies. These documents detail production goals, excavation volumes, and post-mining reclamation strategies.
“The RKAB is essential because it outlines how a company plans to mine responsibly and manage post-extraction impacts,” he said.
The West Java provincial government will also tighten its review of RKAB submissions to detect and prevent any irregularities in mining practices.
The West Java government remains committed to cracking down on illegal mining while holding licensed operators accountable through stricter oversight and annual work plan evaluations.
(Raidi/Agung)
