Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto asked Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin to strengthen law enforcement to crack down on illegal mining.
This order was conveyed during a meeting between Sjafrie, Prabowo, and several ministers of the Red and White Cabinet in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday (November 23).
"Relevant ministries and institutions ensure that all law enforcement measures are integrated, measured, and sustainable," Sjafrie wrote on his Instagram account @sjafrie.sjamsoeddin, as quoted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday.
In the text posted on the account, he explained that President Prabowo reaffirmed the mandate of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, which states: "Land, water, and the natural resources contained therein are controlled by the state and used for the greatest prosperity of the people."
He ensured that, in line with legal mandates and the president’s instructions, efforts to combat illegal mining would be carried out without favoritism.
In addition, his office also ensures that all legal processes related to illegal mining are conducted fairly, from arrests and investigations to prosecution.
"There must be no room for illegal practices that damage the environment, violate state rights, and hinder national development," Sjafrie emphasized.
With these firm and measured actions, Sjafrie is confident that legal enforcement will be consistent, ensuring the legal management of natural resources for the benefit of the people.
Sjafrie recently observed an exercise conducted by the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) in Bangka Belitung and Morowali, Central Sulawesi, last week.
The exercise aimed to sharpen the TNI's capabilities in monitoring and prosecuting illegal mining practices in Indonesia.
The military specifically held the exercise in these two locations due to the common practices in those areas.
"We have discovered several illegal tin ore mining activities, and we will follow up both legally and administratively," he said while reviewing the exercise.
"All activities related to illegal tin mining have been shut down. Regulatory matters will be handed over to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources," he continued.
