Berau. The concession area owned by major mining firm Berau Coal, located on the Labanan-Kelay Forest Artery Road, East Kalimantan, has repeatedly been infiltrated by unidentified individuals conducting illegal mining activities.

Despite various law enforcement actions, illegal mining operations in this National Vital Object area continue to occur, resulting in significant losses to the state.

Berau Coal's Security Manager, Punto Prabowo, revealed that the Joint Patrol Team -- consisting of personnel from Berau Coal, Berau Police, and the National Army -- has never stopped patrolling the area. However, the team consistently finds indications of illegal mining, most recently at Km 32 and Km 33 along the Labanan-Kelay route on June 28. This arterial road is often targeted as an unauthorized mining site by irresponsible parties.

"During a joint patrol on Saturday, we found several heavy equipment units suspected of being involved in illegal mining activities within our concession area. The equipment was immediately secured," Punto said on Sunday.

The team found three heavy equipment units in the concession area, along with excavation sites strongly suspected to be linked to illegal mining activities. However, no perpetrators or operators were found at the scene. The seized equipment consisted of two Sany-brand excavators and one Liugong unit.

Punto said routine patrols will continue to be carried out with security forces to safeguard the concession area from all potential threats, including illegal activities that cause state losses.

Various persuasive approaches have also been made, including warnings to suspected individuals to cease any intentions of illegal mining, as such actions are against the law.

"This concession area is part of a National Vital Object. Illegal activities here not only violate regulations but also pose economic and environmental risks," he stressed.

Punto added that security measures will continue to be strengthened, anticipating a potential rise in illegal mining activities in the surrounding areas.

"In the future, we will increase patrols with the authorities. All findings will be reported to the appropriate agencies for further processing," he explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Special Crimes Unit at the Berau Police, Yoga Fattur Rahman, confirmed the discovery. He stated that routine patrols by Berau Coal frequently uncover signs of illegal mining, but the perpetrators often flee when officers arrive at the scene.

"The case is currently under investigation, and we have not yet apprehended the suspects," he said.

Yoga emphasized the police's commitment to follow up on every report of illegal mining, whether from companies like Berau Coal or members of the public.

"As long as the report is valid, we will definitely follow it up—whether it's from our partners like Berau Coal or from citizens," he concluded.

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