Indonesian Government Cracks Down on Illegal Coal Mining

Massive Seizure of Illegal Coal Stockpile

The Indonesian government has successfully seized 70,000 tons of coal from illegal mining operations in East Kalimantan's Kutai Kartanegara Regency. The operation was conducted by the Directorate General of Law Enforcement (Ditjen Gakkum) under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) between December 28-30, 2025 ¹

Multi-Agency Operation and Legal Process

The enforcement action involved multiple government agencies, including the military (Kodam VI/Mulawarman) and the East Kalimantan Regional Police. The seized coal, spread across five locations including special coal jetties and mining areas, has been barricaded and marked with official seals and warning banners declaring it as state assets ¹

Economic Implications and Next Steps

After completing quantity and quality assessments by authorized surveyors, the coal will be auctioned off. The proceeds will contribute to non-tax state revenue in the energy and mineral resources sector. This action follows public complaints about the illegal stockpiles and demonstrates the government's commitment to enforcing mining regulations ¹

Government's Commitment to Combating Illegal Mining

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has pledged to crack down on mining mafia and improve governance in the mineral and coal mining sector. The minister emphasized that the government will take firm action against violators and maintain state authority over natural resources ²