Speaking in Serang on Thursday, Nurofiq expressed deep regret over the incident, in which a journalist and several ministry staff members were beaten during a surprise inspection. The visit was carried out after authorities found that PT GRS lacked the proper permits to operate.
"We will thoroughly pursue this case. For the company in question, because this violence has occurred, we will impose additional sanctions considering the impacts they have caused," he said.
The minister added that the violence had disrupted government efforts to safeguard environmental stability and quality in the region. His office has requested the assistance of the Banten Police in investigating the matter.
The ministry is preparing both environmental and criminal charges against PT GRS, as the company lacks the necessary documents to process heavy metals such as lead.
"For this type of activity, an environmental impact assessment document is mandatory, but they don’t have it," Nurofiq stated.
The company had previously received administrative sanctions but continued operations in defiance of ministry orders, prompting tougher measures. Nurofiq also confirmed that the ministry will investigate the company’s hazardous and toxic waste management practices.
In a separate statement, Serang Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Condro Sasongko said the ministry had installed police lines at the company’s site on February 25, 2025, to halt operations due to violations. However, the company ignored the order.
When the ministry’s team returned to seal the site, a group of people resisted, and the assault occurred.
"There are four Environment Ministry public relations staff members and one journalist who were allegedly beaten by security personnel and some company employees," Sasongko explained.
He added that police have identified several alleged perpetrators, some of whom are suspected to belong to mass organizations, and arrests will be made soon.
Meanwhile, Banten Police’s Profession and Security Division Chief, Grand Commissioner Murwoto, said his office is investigating allegations of police involvement in the incident. One officer allegedly attempted to pressure victims into erasing video evidence of the attack.
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Translator: Prisca T V, Devi Nindy, Mecca Yumna
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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