Nandito Putra, Jakarta – The Directorate General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) seized 70,000 tons of illegal coal in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan. Officials confiscated the coal during a three-day operation from December 28 to 30, 2025.

"The confiscated coal is scattered in five locations located at special coal jetties and mining areas in Loa Kulu and Sebulu Districts, Kutai Kartanegara Regency," said Jeffri Huwae, Director General for Law Enforcement at ESDM, in a statement on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Jeffri stated that a team secured the stockpiles at several points across the regency. He noted that these illegal activities pose a high risk of causing significant financial losses to the state.

He explained that officers have secured all stockpiles with official ESDM seals. The team also installed banners and signs to notify the public that the coal is now state property.

The Ministry will now calculate the total volume and test the quality of the coal. This assessment involves authorized surveyors and agencies following government rules. These results will determine the starting price for an upcoming auction.

"Once this process is completed, the coal will be auctioned and the proceeds will become non-tax state revenue in the energy and mineral resources sector," Jeffri said.

Jeffri added that the raid followed reports from local residents who were disturbed by the illegal mining. He thanked the public for providing information to law enforcement.

The operation was a joint effort between several agencies. These include the Mulawarman Military Command, the East Kalimantan Regional Police, and the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2077328/ministry-seizes-70000-tons-of-illegal-coal-in-east-kalimanta