Indonesia's Crackdown on Illegal Tin Mining Sparks Tensions
Indonesia's attorney general handed over assets seized in a corruption case to PT Timah as President Prabowo Subianto urged an end to illegal mining and smuggling. Assets were confiscated after executives were convicted for illegal activities. A protest by small-scale miners occurred outside PT Timah's office.
In a decisive move to combat corruption and illegal activities, Indonesia's attorney general handed over assets, including smelters and heavy equipment, to state tin miner PT Timah. President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized the necessity of halting illegal mining and smuggling, as part of a sweeping effort to enhance governance in natural resource exploitation.
Prabowo visited Pangkalpinang on Bangka Island to witness the asset transfer, following convictions of several tin executives for involvement in illegal mining, which has cost the state massive losses both financially and environmentally. The president has already ordered the closure of around 1,000 illicit tin mines and plans to tighten the crackdown on smuggling, influencing global tin prices significantly.
Despite these efforts, tensions were palpable as small-scale miners protested outside PT Timah's office, demanding fairer ore pricing. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and water cannons, signaling volatile reactions to governmental measures against illegal mining and resource mismanagement.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Google News