President Prabowo Subianto has pledged a sweeping crackdown on illegal mining operations, revealing that authorities have identified 1,063 such sites across Indonesia, with estimated state losses of at least Rp 300 trillion (US$18.18 billion).
Addressing at the annual session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the joint sitting of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD) on Friday, August 15, 2025, Prabowo called for broad political backing to enforce the law.
“I ask for the support of the entire MPR and all political parties to stand with us for the sake of our people,” he said.
Prabowo issued a stern warning to any parties protecting illegal mines, including high-ranking military and police figures, whether active or retired. “There is no reason for us not to act in the name of the people,” he said.
Legislative support
House Speaker Puan Maharani expressed full support for the president’s initiative, noting that it aligns with Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, which mandates that natural resources be controlled by the state for the benefit of the people.
“We are very optimistic about the president’s spirit. We will support ensuring that law enforcement and the implementation of Article 33 are carried out well,” Puan told reporters at the Parliament Complex.
Deputy House Speaker Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal also commended Prabowo’s stance, calling it crucial to ensure that natural wealth is managed for public welfare.
“Imagine, he was even rallying us ‘come on, members of the DPR, support me.’ If the goal is to return all natural resources to the state, we must support it,” Cucun said.
He added that the DPR will hold discussions on illegal mining with the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry in upcoming commission meetings. “We must support such a commitment. We will ask the ESDM minister in our hearings,” he said.
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