Indonesian authorities recently seized an estimated 70,000 tons of coal in East Kalimantan as part of a continuing effort too combat illegal mining operations across the archipelago [[2]]. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) conducted a three-day operation, beginning December 28th, uncovering the illicit stockpiles in the Kutai Kartanegara Regency [[1]]. Officials say the confiscated coal, valued as state assets, will be auctioned to bolster government revenue amid a broader national crackdown on unauthorized resource exploitation [[3]].
Jakarta –
Indonesian authorities have secured approximately 70,000 tons of coal following a crackdown on illegal mining operations in East Kalimantan. The coal was discovered across the Kutai Kartanegara Regency.
Jeffri Huwae, Director General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), said the seizure resulted from a site visit conducted by a team between December 28 and December 30, 2025.
Huwae emphasized the importance of securing the coal, citing its potential value as state assets, and indicated it will be auctioned to generate revenue for the government.
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“The coal was found at five locations, including dedicated ports and mining areas in the Loa Kulu and Sebulu districts of Kutai Kartanegara Regency,” Huwae stated in a written release on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
According to Huwae, the coal stockpiles have been secured with barriers and seals from the ESDM’s Directorate General of Law Enforcement, along with warning signs declaring the material as state property.
The next step involves surveyors and authorized agencies assessing the quantity and quality of the coal, in accordance with applicable regulations.
“Following this assessment, the coal will be auctioned, with the proceeds going to the state treasury as non-tax revenue from the energy and mineral resources sector,” Huwae explained. This action underscores the government’s commitment to maximizing revenue from its natural resources.
Huwae affirmed that the crackdown was a direct response to public complaints regarding the illegal stockpiles and thanked citizens for providing information and supporting the Directorate General of Law Enforcement in protecting state assets.
The operation was carried out with the support and collaboration of multiple agencies, including the VI/Mulawarman Regional Military Command, the East Kalimantan Regional Police, and the Directorate General of Minerals and Coal.
The Directorate General of Law Enforcement ESDM continues to strengthen cooperation with stakeholders and the public to enforce laws in the energy and mineral resources sectors, aiming for sustainable and equitable natural resource management.
(hrp/hns)
