Indonesia to tighten small-scale mining rules and crack down on illegal heavy equipment

In Nabire, Attorney General Sanitiar Burhanuddin outlined plans for new small-scale mining regulations that aim to protect the environment and support true subsistence miners. The draft will distinguish between locals mining for livelihood and commercial operators that employ heavy machinery under the guise of community mining. Burhanuddin stressed that illegal heavy-equipment use will be pursued vigorously by law-enforcement bodies, including the police.

The announcement coincided with the revocation of PT Kristalin Eka Lestari's Mining Business License after the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force uncovered illegal activities and failure to meet reclamation obligations. Details on licensing, designated zones, and operational standards have not yet been released. The government hopes the rules will provide clarity for compliant miners while curbing unlawful exploitation of forest lands.