MAUNG Center: Thoroughly Investigate Illegal C-Grade Mining on the Singkawang-Bengkayang Border
PONTIANAK KALABAR-JAYA NEWS.COM – The Central Executive Board of the Non-Governmental Organization Monitoring the State and Groups (DPP LSM MAUNG) has spoken out regarding the uncovering of illegal C-grade mining activities on the border of Singkawang City and Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan, which allegedly impersonate the Bengkayang Regent and use fake land ownership documents.
The General Chairperson of the DPP LSM MAUNG, Hadysa Prana, emphasized that his organization urges relevant agencies and law enforcement officials to immediately take firm and thorough legal action against all parties involved in these illegal practices.
“This is not just an issue of illegal mining. This case has the potential to damage the environment, cause state losses, and tarnish the reputation of regional officials. Moreover, there are indications of a land mafia through fake SKT documents. We urge the West Kalimantan Regional Police, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkum), and the West Kalimantan Energy and Mineral Resources Agency to immediately intervene and conduct a comprehensive investigation,” Hady emphasized on Thursday (July 17, 2025).
The NGO MAUNG assesses that this case has the potential to carry numerous criminal charges, including:
Illegal Mining (PETI) violates Article 158 of the Mineral and Coal Mining Law, which carries a penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of IDR 100 billion.
Falsification of land documents, which potentially violates Article 263 of the Criminal Code.
Environmental destruction as regulated in Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management.
Defamation or the spread of false news if the misuse of the Regent’s name is proven to be false.
The potential for state financial losses due to tax evasion could lead to allegations of money laundering (TPPU).
The General Chairperson also emphasized that, in addition to legal aspects, these illegal mining activities seriously threaten the safety of surrounding communities and environmental sustainability.
“If left unchecked, the resulting damage could damage road structures, bridges, and the surrounding ecosystem. The state is clearly at a disadvantage because there is no tax revenue or non-tax state revenue (PNBP) from this illegal mining. This is a serious issue that must be resolved immediately through legal means,” said Hady.
The MAUNG NGO Central Executive Board (DPP) emphasized that it will continue to monitor this case until it is resolved, including being ready to officially report it to law enforcement agencies if no concrete action is taken in the near future.
“I will instruct the Head of Maung Kalbar to request official clarification from the Bengkayang Regent, so that the public is not trapped by conflicting information. The reputation of state officials must also be protected from being misused by certain individuals to legitimize illegal businesses,” Hady emphasized.
The MAUNG NGO encourages the public to actively report any illegal mining activity they discover to preserve the environment and uphold the rule of law in West Kalimantan.**
Author: MAUNG NGO Team
Source: MAUNG NGO Regional Executive Board, West Kalimantan
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