Speaking at the 6th National Conference of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) in Jakarta on Monday, he said national wealth lost due to elite negligence is estimated at trillions of rupiah annually.
"This is what I will fight against, and I hope all of you and all political parties, including the PKS, will join me," Prabowo said.
He called illegal mining a form of "systemic robbery," pointing to long-standing negligence by the elite.
Prabowo highlighted Bangka Belitung, historically a global tin mining center, where around 1,000 illegal mines were found, resulting in significant state losses.
Since September 1, he said, the military, police, and Customs and Excise have been ordered to close all tin smuggling routes in Bangka Belitung, including via ships and ferries.
The move is expected to save up to Rp22 trillion (US$1.32 billion) by the end of 2025, and Rp45 trillion in 2026.
He also cited mining waste containing rare earth minerals, ordering Customs and Excise to recruit chemical experts for stricter oversight.
Prabowo stressed that illegal mining is also widespread in nickel, coal, and bauxite sectors.
He said controlling natural resources is a constitutional duty, ensuring they are used for the prosperity of the people.
The president warned of major powers seeking to thwart Indonesia's development agenda and economic revival, benefiting from an unequal system.
"They want great wealth to be enjoyed by only a few people," he said.
Related news: Indonesia's free meals program to create 1.5 mln jobs by 2026: Prabowo
Related news: Prabowo launches mass signing of 26,000 subsidized homes
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Genta Tenri Mawangi, Katriana
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
