TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Environment and Forestry Ministry in a press statement on Thursday said they are committed to fighting environmental crimes after they still find illegal mining businesses operating without official government permits.

“There is no other choice other than firm and just enforcement. This is the embodiment of how the state sides with people’s rights and the preservation of the environment and forests,” said Director General of Environmental and Forestry Law Enforcement Rasio Ridho Sani on February 9.

The most recent instance was when the Ministry’s joint enforcement team raided two corporations operating in the Boliyohuto production forest located in Gorontalo Province on Wednesday, February 8. Three individuals tasked to conduct field operations were arrested.

"The perpetrators must be dealt with strictly and punished as severely as possible. The prosecution of this case will not stop at taking action against heavy equipment operators and those in charge of the field, it will continue to be developed to ensnare the main actors, beneficiaries of beneficial ownership," said Rasio.

He also said illegal mining crimes were not only crimes against the environment and forestry, but also crimes against mineral resources. Previously, the joint operations team uncovered illegal gold mining practices carried out by two companies in Gorontalo Province, namely PT. LGE and CV. GDP.

ADE RIDWAN YANDWIPUTRA