Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, has revoked the operational license of the affected natural stone mine operated by the Al-Azhariyah Islamic Boarding School Cooperative in the wake of a deadly landslide at the mining site in Gunung Kuda, Cirebon that has claimed 19 lives.

The disaster, which struck on Friday, May 30, 2025 also left seven people injured and six others still missing. Dedi confirmed on Saturday, May 31, 2025 that the license revocation is a form of administrative sanction due to repeated safety violations.

“The West Java Energy and Mineral Resources Office had issued several warnings regarding safety risks at the site,” he said

In addition to closing the Al-Azhariyah mine, the provincial government has also suspended operations at two other nearby mines run by foundations.

“All three were shut down last night,” Dedi added.

While the mine’s license, issued in 2020, was originally set to expire in October 2025, Dedi emphasized that his administration had inherited the permit and is now conducting a wider moratorium and review of mining activities across the province. Recent crackdowns have already taken place in Karawang, Subang, Tasikmalaya, and other areas, including illegal gold mines run by foreign operators.

“This isn’t just about stopping illegal activity − it’s about protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of all mining workers,” Dedi, while noting support from law enforcement in enforcing regulations.

Two suspects

Cirebon Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the incident. Abdul Karim, the owner of the Al-Azhariyah Cooperative, and Ade Rahman, the site’s Chief Mining Engineer, were officially named suspects on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Cirebon Police Chief Senior Commissioner Sumarni said that both men knowingly ignored repeated warnings and an official ban issued by the Cirebon Regional Mining Authority. The mining operation lacked proper production permits and failed to follow safety and health regulations.

“The owner, Abdul Karim, continued to instruct operations through Ade Rahman despite clear warnings and no legal approval,” Sumarni told a press conference.

The suspects are being charged under several laws, including:

● Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management

● Labor Law for endangering worker safety

● Article 359 of the Criminal Code for negligence causing death

Rescue efforts

Efforts to locate missing victims continue, with 400 personnel deployed, including rescue teams and the military. Six trucks and one excavator are being used, and the search is being conducted with strict safety protocols due to ongoing landslide risks.

“Evacuations are carried out carefully, following assessments by ESDM (The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources) and Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency) to ensure team safety,” Chief of Cirebon District Military Command, Lieutenant Colonel M. Yusron, said.

The West Java provincial government has reiterated its commitment to hold all violators accountable and ensure safer mining practices moving forward.