The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reported to have received 128 complaints regarding illegal mining (PETI) activities across Indonesia in 2023.
Tri Winarno, Director General of Minerals and Coal at the ESDM ministry, said that these reports were submitted by the police and experts, highlighting illegal practices that violate Law No. 3/2020 on Minerals and Coal. Violators could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to Rp100 billion (US$6.3 million).
The majority of complaints came from five provinces: South Sumatra (26 reports), Riau (24 reports), North Sumatra (12 reports), Aceh (11 reports), and East Java (nine reports).
Tri cited that a mining operation qualifies as PETI if it operates without a proper permit, whether for exploration, production, or resource management.
To address PETI issues, the ESDM Ministry is implementing a three-pronged strategy. First, digital monitoring is utilized through a system called Simbara, which tracks unauthorized miners. Second, the ministry is working to formalize mining activities.
Lastly, a new Directorate General of Law Enforcement has been established within the ESDM to oversee law enforcement in the sector.
The Directorate General of Law Enforcement will focus on five key areas, namely policy formulation, enforcement, coordination, development of legal standards, and providing technical guidance.
This directorate general is tasked with ensuring compliance, processing complaints, conducting investigations, and imposing administrative and criminal sanctions.
The ministry believes these steps will strengthen governance and control over illegal mining practices in Indonesia.
