In a raid on illegal mining operations in Batam, Indonesian authorities arrested three suspects involved in sand extraction at an unauthorized site. The raid, part of ongoing operations to curb illegal mining activities, led to the seizure of essential mining equipment and a truck loaded with sand, revealing a significant operation supplying local construction demands.
The operation, carried out by the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of the Riau Islands Police, took place in the Batu Besar area of Nongsa on October 27, 2024, after suspicious activity was detected during routine patrols. Officers intercepted a sand-laden truck at a checkpoint, leading to the discovery of the illicit mining site and the arrest of three suspects identified as Ts (the equipment owner), K (field supervisor), and B (truck driver).
Upon inspection at a checkpoint near Kepri Mall, officers halted a dump truck with sand but were met with conflicting statements from the driver, who failed to provide valid documentation of the sand’s origin. This sparked a deeper investigation, pointing to a suspected illegal mining operation in the Nongsa area.
Police subsequently launched a follow-up investigation, which uncovered an unauthorized sand mining setup equipped with industrial pumps, soil washing devices, and a network of pipes, which enabled the extraction of sand for local buyers. According to police statements, the operation relied on demand-driven extraction and has been in operation for nearly a year.
This mining site operated only when orders were placed, with sand sold for around IDR 700,000 (SGD 60) per truckload. The police report highlights that the site, likely catering to Batam’s growing construction needs, operated with intermittent activity to evade detection.
The suspects are now facing charges under Indonesia’s amended 2020 Mining Law, which reinforces penalties for unauthorized mineral extraction. Under this law, they could face up to five years in prison and a fine reaching IDR 100 billion (SGD 8.5 million), underscoring the severity with which the country regards environmental offenses.
Read More: Chronology of the Capture of Foreign Dredging Ships in Batam, Sand Destined for Singapore
This case exemplifies Indonesia’s push to strengthen enforcement against illegal mining practices. Authorities are particularly focused on coastal regions like Batam, where high demand for construction materials risks attracting unsanctioned operations. Police have pledged to intensify patrols and investigations to address these environmental and regulatory challenges.
The recent arrests highlight the Indonesian government’s resolve to address illegal resource extraction. As Batam and other regions experience infrastructure booms, Indonesia aims to maintain environmental oversight and enforce stricter compliance to avoid unchecked exploitation of its natural resources.
Indonesian authorities cracked down on illegal sand mining in Batam, arresting three suspects and seizing mining equipment and sand-filled trucks. This effort reflects Indonesia’s commitment to environmental protection amid rapid regional development.
Sources: Tribun News, Antara News (2024)
Keywords: Illegal Sand Mining, Batam Operation, Indonesian Police
