Gov’t Raids Miner Suspected of Destroying Orangutan Habitat in West Kalimantan
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Nickel miner Laman Mining is suspected of illegal bauxite mining operations, disrupting orangutan habitat in West Kalimantan’s Tulak River forest.
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry raided the company’s sites in Puring and Kempapakon on Aug. 20, finding seven heavy-duty vehicles for excavation.
Laman Mining claimed the areas were included in its mining business permit (IUP). According to forest maps, however, Puring and Kempapak belong to the Tulak River convertible production forest area, to which Laman has no rights. Convertible production forests are forested areas that the government can designate for a limited use such as farming.
The Tulak River forest area is also Palung Mountain National Park’s buffer zone as well as orangutan habitat, neither of which should be disrupted.
“This is an extraordinary evil,” Rasio Ridho Sani, the ministry’s director of law enforcement, said in a statement on Sunday.
The ministry is questioning Laman’s directors and commissioners.
“We are also investigating the possibility that money laundering was involved in this illegal mining operation,” Rasio said.
Under a 2013 law on prevention of forest destruction, the company’s officials may face between eight and 20 years in prison, if convicted, while the company may face a fine of Rp 20 billion ($1.37 million) to Rp 50 billion.
Questions & Answers
Q.What specifically is Laman Mining accused of doing illegally?
What specifically is Laman Mining accused of doing illegally?
Laman Mining is suspected of conducting illegal bauxite mining operations. The company claims the raided areas were part of its permit, but forest maps indicate these areas are convertible production forest where Laman has no rights.
Q.What is the significance of the Tulak River forest area that Laman Mining is accused of disrupting?
What is the significance of the Tulak River forest area that Laman Mining is accused of disrupting?
The Tulak River forest is classified as a convertible production forest and serves as a buffer zone for Palung Mountain National Park. Crucially, it is also identified as an orangutan habitat, which should not be disturbed.
Q.What penalties could Laman Mining and its officials face if found guilty?
What penalties could Laman Mining and its officials face if found guilty?
Company officials could face eight to 20 years in prison if convicted under a 2013 law on forest destruction. The company itself may face a fine ranging from Rp 20 billion to Rp 50 billion.
Q.Are there any other criminal allegations being investigated in connection with this operation?
Are there any other criminal allegations being investigated in connection with this operation?
Yes, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is also investigating the possibility that money laundering was involved in this illegal mining operation. This was stated by Rasio Ridho Sani, the ministry's director of law enforcement.
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