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Police urged to curb illegal mining in Bangka Belitung
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Severely damaged: Miners work at a tin mining site in Bangka Belitung. (Tribunnews.com/File)
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esidents of Koba district, Central Bangka regency, Bangka Belitung Islands have urged the police to act firm in eradicating illegal tin mining in Marbuk, Kenari and Punguk areas.
“[Illegal miners] have been told to stop operating numerous times, but they keep coming back and continuing their business,” said Don, a Koba resident, on Tuesday as quoted by Antara.
A similar view was expressed by Yan, who said illegal mining had an adverse impact on the local environment.
“People planned to demonstrate at the sites, but then we decided to let law enforcers do their job,” said Yan, expressing hope that the police would handle the case professionally.
Central Bangka police deputy chief Comr. Efendi Sugianto claimed he had ensured that none of his officers were involved in the illegal mining business, and would punish anyone that was proven to be involved.
Central Bangka Legislative Council (DPRD) Speaker Algafry Rahman warned that illegal mining activities could spark conflicts in the region, suggesting that all stakeholders solve the issue wisely. (vla/ebf)
