#Illegal
Government agency files complaint with ESDM over alleged long-running illegal bauxite mining
The Riau Islands chapter of the National Asset Research Agency (BAPAN) has filed a complaint with investigators at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), alleging years-long illegal bauxite mining operation in West Kalimantan and illicit sales routed through Riau Islands.
Prabowo crack downs on 1,000 illegal mines, 5 million ha of illegal oil plantations
President Prabowo Subianto says that his administration has shut down 1,000 illegal mining operations and reclaimed 5 million hectares of illegal palm oil plantations during his first year in office, underscoring a firm stance on protecting Indonesia’s natural wealth through law enforcement.
Police’s anti-crime agency uncovers 1,517 illegal mining sites across Indonesia
The National Police’s Crime Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has identified 1,517 illegal mining operations (PETI) still active across Indonesia, with the highest concentration located in North Sumatra and West Java.
Prabowo oversees US$427 million confiscated asset handover to PT Timah
President Prabowo Subianto on Monday, October 6, 2025, oversaw the handover of state-confiscated assets worth up to Rp7 trillion (US$427 million) to state-owned tin miner PT Timah, marking one of largest recoveries of assets linked to illegal mining operations.
Lawyer dismisses Nadiem receiving money from “Chromebook” procurement
Lawyer for Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim, has denied that his client received any funds from the 2019-2022 procurement of Chromebook laptops for the Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry, which has estimatingly caused Rp1.98 trillion (US$120 million) in State losses.
Indonesia to crack down on illegal mining in forestland starting September 1
Indonesia’s forestry task force will begin a crackdown on illegal mining operations in forest areas covering about 4.27 million hectares starting Monday, September 1, 2025.
Indonesia halts lobster seed exports amid rising illegal trade
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has once again suspended the export of lobster seeds, known locally as benih bening lobster (BBL), due to persistent illegal trading activities.
From Chaoshan to Classrooms: Illegal Imports, Health Hazards, and Halal Concerns
In the third week of August 2025, the Indonesia Business Post investigative team traveled to Chaoshan, an industrial hub in Guangdong Province, China. The area, home to 30–40 factories producing food trays for global markets, also supplies trays for a number of importers involved in Indonesia’s “Makan Bergizi Gratis” (MBG) or Free Nutritious Meal program for school children.
Prabowo vows crackdown on Illegal mines, warns military and police figures
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).
Tom Lembong highlights irregularities in sugar import case verdict
Former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong, or Tom Lembong, expresses concerns over the 4.5-year prison sentence handed down by the Jakarta Corruption Court on him in connection with a sugar importation case, claiming that it disregards his ministerial authority.
Government wins environmental lawsuit against nickel miners in Southeast Sulawesi
The Ministry of Environment has secured a legal victory against two nickel mining firms − PT James & Armando Pundimas (PT JAP) and PT Bhima Amarta Mining (PT BAM) − for illegal mining activities in protected forest areas of North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi.
AGO seizes land in oil management case, ensures fuel supply uninterrupted
The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has seized two plots of land owned by PT Orbit Terminal Merak (OTM) in connection with an ongoing investigation into the management of crude oil and refinery products by subholdings of State energy company PT Pertamina and contractors (KKKS) between 2018 and 2023.