PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), a member of the MIND ID mining holding, has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding legal and responsible mining practices by conducting joint patrols and taking firm action against illegal mining (PETI) activities in the Banko Tengah Block B IUP area, specifically in the Lengi area, Penyandingan Village, Tanjung Agung District, Muara Enim Regency. The patrol conducted on Thursday, May 8, 2025, was part of a routine security operation carried out by a joint team comprising various divisions within PTBA—including the Mining Division, Legal & Regulatory Affairs Division, and Operational Services Division. The operation was also supported by personnel from Pamobvit Polda South Sumatra, Pamobvit Polres Muara Enim, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the Forest Protection Patrol Team.
Based on aerial surveillance using drones, the team identified ongoing illegal mining activities at the site. Acting swiftly, the joint team moved to the location and successfully apprehended four individuals—three dump truck drivers and one excavator operator—who had attempted to flee. In addition, the team secured several pieces of evidence, including one excavator unit, three single-axle dump trucks, one motorcycle, nine fuel cans, and other supporting materials found at the scene.
All apprehended individuals and confiscated evidence were handed over to the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Muara Enim Police for further legal processing. PTBA employees and security personnel involved in the operation have also given official witness statements as part of the Investigation Report (BAP).
PTBA’s Director of Operations and Production, Suhedi, emphasized the company’s firm stance by stating, “We will not tolerate any form of illegal activity within our operational areas. This action serves as concrete evidence of the strong synergy between PTBA and law enforcement agencies in upholding clean, legal, and sustainable mining practices.”
In his speech at the inauguration of the Precious Metal Refining Facility in Gresik, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed his commitment to taking firm action against all forms of illegal mining and smuggling activities that harm the state.
This decisive action aligns with PTBA’s commitment to supporting responsible and environmentally sustainable natural resource management. It also reinforces the company’s support for government efforts to eradicate illegal mining (PETI), which poses risks to occupational safety, harms the environment, and causes significant losses to the state.
PTBA expressed its appreciation to all parties who contributed to the success of this joint operation and reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying supervision across its operational areas to prevent illegal activities that could damage the reputation of the national mining industry.
