Police Chief Issues Arrest on Alleged Corrupt Cop Linked to Illegal Mining

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo on Friday officially ordered the arrest of the former Samarinda Police intelligence unit Ismail Bolong – who once went viral for his testimony claiming to be incriminated in securing illegal mining activities in East Kalimantan. 

“I have ordered the arrest against Ismail Bolong. We just have to wait,” said the Police Chief on November 18.

The former police officer’s testimony on a number of social platforms caused a brouhaha early in November. Bolong at the time claims to provide security and sold mining products from the region to Surabaya coal trader Tan Paulin, which according to rumors has close ties with a number of police higher-ups. 

Ismail Bolong also fueled the rumors of illegal mining bribes getting into the pockets of East Kalimantan police officers and the General Crime Unit general. At the time, he claims that he is able to collect Rp10 billion from illegal miners and deposit it through the East Kalimantan police.

However, Bolong contradicted himself by issuing a clarification after his initial testimony video and claims he was ordered to recall the story by a police internal affairs officer.

"He once gave a testimony, which we don't know if it’s true or not. Another video appeared that said he was giving testimony because he was under pressure. True or not, we don't know. To clarify things, it's better to arrest and question Ismail Bolong." said Police Chief Listyo. 

Sigit admitted that he had heard in February about reports from the Internal Affairs Division’s Civil Service Bureau regarding illegal mining players who were backed by police officers. As a follow-up to this report, Sigit removed the then East Kalimantan Police Chief, Inspector General Herry Rudolf Nahak, and several other officials.

Illegal coal mining remains rampant in East Kalimantan. The East Kalimantan Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) noted that there were at least 151 illegal mining sites in the region as of January 2022.

The East Kalimantan Jatam often reports the illegal mining activities in the region complete with coordinates and other pieces of evidence to the Regional Police, governor, Department of Energy and Mineral Resources, and other institutions, but many of their reports end up not being followed up.

LINDA TRIANITA

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