BANDA ACEH — Efforts to crack down on illegal mining in Aceh Province are viewed as failing to address the root of the problem as long as fuel distribution channels for heavy equipment at mining sites remain unchecked. The Indonesia Tender Transparency agency (TTI) has urged law enforcement authorities to dismantle and thoroughly investigate the diesel fuel supply chain feeding these unlicensed mining areas.
TTI Coordinator Nasruddin Bahar emphasized that enforcement actions limited to arresting field workers or seizing heavy machinery will not permanently stop illegal mining practices. According to him, the supply of diesel fuel is the primary lifeline enabling heavy equipment—such as excavators, bulldozers, dump trucks, and generators—to remain operational at mining sites.
By severing the distribution chain and taking stern action against fuel suppliers, illegal mining operations are expected to be automatically paralyzed. Therefore, decisive law enforcement in investigating fuel suppliers is a crucial key to resolving this issue in Aceh.
"Eradicating illegal mining in Aceh will never be fully resolved if law enforcement agencies only arrest field workers or confiscate heavy machinery," said Nasruddin Bahar, Coordinator of Indonesia Tender Transparency (TTI).
Reference sources: Ajnn – Menanti APH Bongkar Rantai Distribusi BBM untuk Lumpuhkan Tambang Ilegal di Aceh; Acehstandar – TTI Desak APH Bongkar dan Usut Tuntas Rantai Pemasok BBM Tambang Ilegal di Aceh.
Read this article in Bahasa Indonesia.
