Press Release

Muara Enim, July 14, 2026 – PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), a member of the MIND ID Mining Industry Holding, fully supports the efforts of the Muara Enim Police Resort (Polres Muara Enim) and the South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumatera Selatan) in uncovering illegal coal mining activities operating within the Company's Mining Business License (IUP) area in Penyandingan Village, Tanjung Agung District, Muara Enim Regency.

The law enforcement operation forms part of broader efforts to combat illegal mining activities that have the potential to cause financial losses to the state, damage the environment, endanger public safety, and threaten the sustainable management of natural resources.

Muara Enim Deputy Police Chief, Police Commissioner (Kompol) Toni Arman, S.H., stated that the successful two-phase enforcement operation reflects the strong synergy between law enforcement authorities and PT Bukit Asam in safeguarding state assets, protecting the environment, and promoting mining governance in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations.

"Through the two operations conducted on July 8 and July 10, 2026, we have secured a total of 11 suspects under eight police reports. The investigation will continue to identify and take legal action against other parties involved, including landowners and those who benefited from these illegal activities," said Kompol Toni Arman during a press conference held at PTBA's Bangko Barat Mining Business License (IUP) area on Tuesday (July 14, 2026).

During the first operation, conducted on July 8, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m. local time at a stockpile area in Penyandingan Village, authorities apprehended eight suspects, consisting of five truck drivers, one checker, one heavy equipment operator, and one business operator. Evidence seized included two excavators, approximately 52 tonnes of coal, and several mobile phones.

In the second operation, carried out on July 10, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time at the same location, officers arrested three additional business operators and confiscated two units of heavy equipment, one motorcycle, three mobile phones, and illegally mined coal.

All suspects have been charged under Article 158 of Law No. 3 of 2020 concerning Amendments to Law No. 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining, which carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to IDR 100 billion.

Based on the investigation, the perpetrators transported coal at night while covering their loads with tarpaulins to avoid detection. The illegally mined coal was reportedly sold below market prices and is suspected to have been distributed to the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) area. Authorities estimate that the illegal mining activities could have resulted in approximately IDR 95.9 billion in lost state revenue, while potential state losses from unpaid royalties are estimated at around IDR 8.6 billion.

The Muara Enim Police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing to identify additional individuals suspected of involvement, including landowners whose properties were used for the illegal mining activities.

PTBA's Tanjung Enim Mining Site General Manager, Satria Wirawan, expressed appreciation for the swift action taken by the police in uncovering the illegal mining operations within the Company's concession area.

"We highly appreciate the efforts of the Muara Enim Police and the South Sumatra Regional Police in successfully uncovering illegal mining activities within PT Bukit Asam's Mining Business License area," he said.

Satria emphasized that illegal mining not only deprives the state of revenue but also poses serious risks to public safety, causes environmental degradation, and disrupts legitimate mining operations conducted in accordance with good mining practices.

"PTBA remains committed to strengthening its collaboration with law enforcement agencies to safeguard state assets and ensure that natural resources are managed legally, responsibly, and sustainably," he added.

PTBA will continue to strengthen coordination with the South Sumatra Regional Police, Muara Enim Police, and other relevant stakeholders to secure locations where enforcement actions have been carried out and prevent the recurrence of illegal mining activities.

"PTBA also encourages the public to actively participate in protecting the environment by reporting any suspected illegal mining activities to law enforcement authorities. Through the synergy of all stakeholders, we hope to foster a mining sector that is safe, orderly, sustainable, and capable of delivering optimal benefits for both the nation and society," Satria concluded.