Pangkalpinang Residents Lose Land in Suspected Illegal Tin Mining Linked to DPRD Member’s Husband

PANGKALPINANG, JOURNALARTA.COM – A suspected illegal tin mining operation allegedly involving the husband of a Pangkalpinang City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) member has resurfaced. A resident reported that about two hectares of private land along a riverbank were damaged by activities that took place openly.

Imam Syafi’i, also known as Ayi (50), a resident of Opas Indah, said his land in Gang Buntu, Opas Indah Village, suffered severe damage. He suspects the activity was coordinated by a man known as Kiki, who is said to be the husband of a Pangkalpinang City DPRD member.

According to Ayi, the mining activity is not just a rumor circulating in the community. It took place openly and in an organized way, even though the area has been designated as a no-mining zone.

“I have been badly harmed. The land I owned has been destroyed without the slightest permission. I ask law enforcement to act firmly and not discriminate against anyone involved, regardless of status or position,” Ayi told journalists from the KBO Babel media network on Monday (June 22, 2026).

Ironically, the suspected illegal mining activity is reported to have continued even after Satpolairud of the Pangkalpinang Police conducted an enforcement operation on Saturday, June 20, 2026. During that raid, several miners caught at the site signed statements promising not to resume similar activity there.

Yet just two days later, residents reported that the mining activity had started again. The operators were said to work quietly from night until dawn to avoid police monitoring.

The situation has raised basic questions about how effective enforcement has been so far. If those who already signed written statements still dare to return, the public has reason to ask who is protecting them and giving them the confidence to continue.

“I urge the Pangkalpinang Police Water and Air Unit to go back to the location immediately and take firm action against the perpetrators. The public should not be left thinking that the law is sharp downward but blunt upward,” Ayi said.

The presence of unlicensed mining in an area promoted as a zero-mining zone has also drawn attention. Residents say the government’s commitment loses meaning if illegal practices keep repeating despite repeated enforcement.

Several nearby residents said they often heard excavation machines operating from the direction of RE Martadinata Street, specifically in the Gang Buntu area. The activity has been going on for quite some time and has caused concern because it could damage the river ecosystem, threaten public safety, and trigger disputes among residents.

The community is urging authorities not to stop at securing field workers alone. Police are being asked to trace the chain behind the operation, from coordinators and funders to parties allegedly providing legal protection.

The appearance of a name linked to a legislative institution is seen as something that must be followed up professionally to prevent speculation from growing in the public. Transparent handling without favoritism is hoped to preserve public trust in law enforcement.

As of this report, the parties mentioned in the story, including Kiki, who is said to be the husband of a Pangkalpinang City DPRD member, had not provided any official response or clarification regarding the accusations against them.

As part of the principle of balanced reporting, the KBO Babel editorial team continues to seek confirmation and provide space for the right of reply for all parties named in this report. (KBO Babel)