S. Sumatra suspends operations at three coal miners over environmental violations

The South Sumatra provincial government has temporarily suspended operations at three coal mining companies in Musi Banyuasin Regency following alleged environmental violations, local media reported on Wednesday.

Through the provincial Environmental Agency, authorities halted activities at PT Putra Muba Coal, PT Tiga Daya Minergy and PT Indonesia Batu Prima Energi after inspections identified violations considered potentially harmful to the environment and nearby communities.

According to the agency, enforcement action against Putra Muba Coal followed findings of material landslides from stockpile jetty operations toward the Tungkal River.

Tiga Daya Minergy was ordered to stop operations and had its site sealed over alleged non-compliance with environmental standards.

Read also: South Sumatra warns two coal miners over environmental violations

Meanwhile, Indonesia Batu Prima Energi was accused of discharging mining wastewater directly into the environment. Authorities also sealed an area identified as KPL Corundum Beryl during the enforcement process.

Environmental Agency officials and environmental law enforcement teams have conducted field inspections and installed supervisory lines at several locations as part of the investigation.

South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru said the provincial government would not tolerate business activities that risk damaging the environment or harming communities.

“Environmental law enforcement must be carried out consistently to protect South Sumatra’s environment and the sustainability of local communities,” Herman Deru said.

Editing by Alexander Ginting