Mustaqim Adamrah, Jakarta – At least 115 companies have carried out mining activities in 471,714 hectares of productive and protected forests without licenses, according to a Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) report.

The BPK, whose report was dated on Jan. 26, found that such activities have resulted in damage to forests and will potentially cost the state. The BPK has recommended that the Forestry Ministry sort out companies that are operating without proper licenses.

In response, forestry and mining NGO Greenomics said the ministry has uncovered illegal mining practices in forested areas, but has yet to take clear follow-up measures.

"The Forestry Ministry should move faster to respond to the BPK's report. Otherwise, forest damage will be bigger, and so will the state's losses due to the forest damage," Greenomics executive director Elfian Effendi said in a press statement on Thursday.

"All stakeholders need to follow up on the BPK's recommendations."