inp.polri.go.id - West Bangka. Police cracked down on illegal tin ore mining activities in the waters from Tembelok to Keranggan, Mentok District, West Bangka Regency. The mining was halted due to the lack of permits and the potential for damage to the marine environment.

Head of Public Relations for the West Bangka Sub-regional Police, First Police Inspector Yos Sudarso, stated in Mentok on Sunday (9/13/2026) that they went directly to the location to issue warnings to the miners.

"Today, the Water and Air Police Unit team, along with the Babel Regional Police's Water and Air Unit Directorate, went directly to the waters from Tembelok and Keranggan to issue warnings to miners who are still attempting to carry out illegal mining activities along the coast," said Yos Sudarso, in Mentok on Sunday (9/13/2026).

The warning was issued when officers discovered mining activities using diving and "user-user" methods, a mining method using simple drills at the mining site.

The officers then issued a warning and asked the miners to cease their activities. They were also asked to immediately withdraw the mining pontoons from the waters of Tembelok and Keranggan to prevent further illegal mining activities.

"This is our effort to preserve the marine ecosystem. We invite the community to work together to protect the waters from illegal mining activities," he said.

The police also urged the public to play an active role in preventing illegal mining by immediately reporting any similar activity in the area.

Yos said that prevention and enforcement efforts will continue to maintain security and the sustainability of West Bangka's waters.

He emphasized that this warning is the final warning to the miners. If they persist in carrying out illegal mining activities, the police will take firmer action.

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