January 21, 2026 | 06:36 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Directorate General of Law Enforcement for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has discovered piles of coal at several mining cargo jetties along the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan. It is estimated that the stockpile, weighing around 50,000 tons, originated from illegal mining activities.
"Currently, the coal stockpile has been barricaded," said Law Enforcement DG at the ministry, Jeffri Huwae, in a written statement on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. "Warning signs have been erected to declare the stockpile as state assets."
The coal stockpiles were discovered at six different locations, scattered across coal ports and within the mining areas of Loa Kulu and Sebulu Districts, Kutai Kartanegara Regency.
This discovery was a result of security operations conducted on January 14-15, 2026, involving the Mulawarman Regional Military Command (Kodam) VI, East Kalimantan Regional Police, and the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal.
Jeffri said an investigation into the origin and assessment of the quantity and quality of the coal will be conducted. The directorate general will work with independent parties such as authorized surveyors or agencies, in accordance with the law.
"After all these processes are completed, the coal will be auctioned, and the proceeds will become non-tax state revenue from the energy and mineral resources sector," Jeffri added.
Jeffri emphasized that the government will crack down on illegal mining practices while maintaining optimal state revenue from the energy and mineral resources sector. He ensured the confiscation of the coal stockpile proceeded in a safe and conducive manner.
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