TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta's representative of the Indonesian Ombudsman office exposed a long-time operation of an illegal category C mining in the region of Bojongsari, Depok.

Head of the Jakarta Raya Ombudsman, Teguh Nugroho revealed that the illegal mine not only is permitless, but mining activities at the site is believed to be a hazard for local residents residing in the mine’s vicinity.

“The Pondok Petir 03 Junior School is almost covered by the soil from mining activities. It also created a manmade cliff nearby, causes respiratory diseases, nearly ruined a nearby high-voltage electricity tower (SUTET) due to its foundation being dug,” said Teguh to Tempo on Wednesday, October 9.

Teguh suspects the prolonged mining activity was able to be sustained due to lack of local government’s supervision, which in this case should be under the supervision of the Depok City Government, Police precinct, and the West Java Province’s Environmental Agency.

“We have issued the final report (LAHP) on the maladministration caused by the illegal mining activities,” said Teguh. The mine must respond to Ombudsman’s notice within 30-days.

The illegal mine is believed to violate Law No.4/2009 overseeing coal and mineral resources, Law No.26/2007 on spatial planning, Regional Government No.1/2015 on regional planning.

ADE RIDWAN YANDWIPUTRA