Joint operation with TNI and Police targets illegal sand mining threatening aviation safety.
Batam’s Directorate of Security (Ditpam BP Batam), in collaboration with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Police, launched a joint operation on February 4, 2025, targeting illegal sand mining activities in Nongsa, Batam. The crackdown focused on areas near Hang Nadim Airport’s Flight Safety Operation Zone (KKOP), a designated protected area where environmental degradation poses significant risks to aviation safety.
Illegal sand mining in Batam has become a growing concern, particularly in sensitive zones near Hang Nadim Airport. These unregulated activities cause severe environmental damage, leading to the formation of deep water-filled pits. These pits not only degrade the surrounding ecosystem but also attract birds and other wildlife, increasing the risk of aircraft collisions and jeopardizing aviation safety.
Joint Operation Targets Two Key Sites:
Authorities concentrated their efforts on two illegal mining locations i.e. Bida Asri 3 residential area and Kampung Jabi, Nongsa. Law enforcement officers used excavators to dismantle sand storage facilities and seize equipment used in the illicit operations.
Aviation Safety at Risk:
The illegal mining sites were located within the KKOP, a high-risk zone crucial for flight safety. The excavation activities left behind large water-filled pits, which not only pose a threat to aircraft operations by attracting hazardous wildlife but also serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases in surrounding communities.
Calls for an Immediate Halt:
Wilem Sumanto, Head of Forest Patrol and Security at Ditpam BP Batam, called for an immediate cessation of all illegal sand mining operations. “These activities endanger not only the environment but also public safety and aviation security. We will take firm action against those involved,” he stated.
Following the crackdown, BP Batam and related agencies will conduct regular surveillance in high-risk areas to prevent the re-emergence of illegal mining. Authorities have also warned that individuals caught engaging in such activities may face legal action.
Batam’s efforts to curb illegal sand mining highlight the region’s commitment to maintaining aviation safety and environmental sustainability. These measures are crucial, given Batam’s role as a key transit hub in Southeast Asia.
Sources: Batam News, Central News (2025)
Keywords: Illegal Sand Mining, Aviation Safety, Batam Environment, TNI, Police Operation
