ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – In a bold move to safeguard its natural resources, the Government of Indonesia has seized nickel mining land operated by PT Weda Bay Nickel, a joint venture linked to one of the world’s largest mining corporations, after the company was found operating without a legal forest utilization permit.
According to Rilke Jeffri Huwae, Director General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the seizure was part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining led by the Forest Control Task Force (Satgas PKH Halilintar).
“From the operation, the state has successfully reclaimed 148.25 hectares of mining land from PT Weda Bay Nickel. They hold a mining license, but not the required forest utilization permit. This is a serious legal violation,” Jeffri told reporters in Jakarta, Monday, September 15, 2025.
The government also seized 172.82 hectares of land from PT Tonia Mitra Sejahtera (TMS) in Southeast Sulawesi, bringing the total land reclaimed by the state to 321.07 hectares.
Jeffri stressed that the move follows a direct order from President Prabowo Subianto, who has vowed to enforce the law against illegal mining activities “without compromise or discrimination.”
“Presidential instruction is clear: law enforcement must not show favoritism. ESDM is implementing that directive by strengthening supervision and taking firm action in the field,” Jeffri added.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia echoed the President’s stance: “If the commander has said A, there can be no other move — we follow A. Illegal mining must be eradicated to protect Indonesia’s sovereignty over its natural resources.”
Indonesia is also pushing for the adoption of Good Mining Practices (GMP), emphasizing sustainability, environmental responsibility, and strict legal compliance. Through the Satgas PKH Halilintar, the government has brought together the military, police, attorney general’s office, audit board, and key ministries to enforce a sweeping crackdown on illegal mining across the archipelago. (AT Network)
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