"This visit is part of the government’s commitment to combat illegal mining and strengthen the governance of natural resources," he said in a statement released Thursday by military headquarters.
Among the facilities he visited was PT Trinindo Internusa, one of five tin smelters confiscated by the Attorney General's Office following a final and binding court ruling. The smelter will be transferred to the state to ensure its management benefits the public.
Tampubolon urged mining companies to comply with regulations, warning that illegal operations cause major losses to both the state and local communities.
Military officials and regional governments are intensifying crackdowns on illegal mining by inspecting seized sites and forming joint enforcement teams.
In Aceh Province, for instance, the regional government and security agencies are setting up a special task force (Satgassus) to tackle illegal gold mining.
Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf said Tuesday that the unit would begin operations in the coming weeks, following a coordination meeting with local officials, police, and the military.
He instructed the provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Office to coordinate with the Aceh Police and Iskandar Muda Military Command. The task force will oversee licensing, public outreach, and enforcement, with its core team comprising officials, police, and military personnel.
"The goal is to clean up mining, plantations, and other resource sectors," Manaf said.
Authorities reported 450 illegal mining sites in Aceh with about 1,000 excavators, while a legislative inquiry found miners paying up to Rp30 million monthly in “security fees,” totaling an estimated Rp360 billion (US$25 million) a year.
The governor has given operators a two-week ultimatum to withdraw heavy equipment before enforcement begins.
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Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Anton Santoso
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