Inp.polri.go.id - Surabaya.  The Indonesian National Police (INP) have exposed an illegal coal mining operation inside the conservation area of the projected new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan, causing an estimated state loss of Rp 5.7 trillion (approx. USD 350 million).

“The mining site has already expanded to 160 hectares,” said Brigadier General Nunung Syaifuddin, the INP’s Criminal Investigation Agency’s Director of Special Crimes, during a press briefing on Thursday (17/7/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

Since 2016, coal from Soeharto Tahura Forest Park in Samboja, Kutai Kartanegara, has been illegally extracted, packed into sacks, and shipped via container through Kariangau Terminal to Surabaya. 

Investigators discovered the cargo carried official documents issued by two licensed mining companies, identified as PT MMJ and PT BMJ.

Three suspects have been arrested. Police are tracking the operation’s mastermind and money launderers, with charges under the Mineral and Coal Law and anti-money laundering laws