1,063 Illegal Mines Cost the State Rp 300 Trillion, Prabowo Warns of the Protectors Behind Them

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – President Prabowo Subianto received a report indicating that 1,068 illegal mines have the potential to harm the state by at least Rp 300 trillion. He is firmly committed to taking action against such practices. Strong measures will not hesitate to be implemented if there are significant and powerful figures acting as protectors behind them.

The statement was made by the Head of State during the state address at the Annual Session of the MPR and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD 2025, at the Nusantara Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Friday (15/8/2025). He was accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming. Also present were former heads of state, namely the 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the 7th President Joko Widodo.

"After this, we will regulate the mines that violate the rules. I have been informed by the authorities that there are 1,063 illegal mines," said President Prabowo in his speech.

I give a warning. Whether there are prominent individuals, powerful people, generals from anywhere, whether they are TNI generals or police generals, or former generals. There is no reason for us to act on behalf of the people.

Prabowo's concern for regulating illegal mining operations stems from the significant potential losses to the state. According to the reports he received, the state could incur losses of at least Rp 300 trillion if the practice of illegal mining continues unabated.

In order to address this issue, Prabowo also sought assistance from members of the MPR and political party leaders. He stated that the firm action against illegal mining is solely for the benefit of all citizens. Therefore, he also warned that there are prominent figures who are actually protecting such practices.

"I give a warning. Whether there are influential people, powerful individuals, generals from anywhere, whether they are TNI generals or police generals, or former generals. There is no reason for us to act on behalf of the people," said Prabowo.

The same stern warning was also issued by Prabowo to fellow political party leaders. He emphasized that no politician should engage in such activities. He also did not hesitate to take action if the politician involved in illegal mining was from his own party, namely Gerindra.

"I remind all party members, including my party, Gerindra. If you are involved, quickly become a justice collaborator. Just report it. Because, even if you are from Gerindra, I will not protect you," said Prabowo.

In addition to that plan, Prabowo also reported on the programs that have been successfully implemented during his 299 days of leadership. He claimed that Indonesia has managed to endure amidst the ongoing global political and economic conflicts. The occurrence of trade wars and tariff wars, he stated, did not hinder Indonesia from achieving an economic growth of 5.12 percent. This achievement has allowed Indonesia to consistently record an economic growth of 5 percent over the past few years.

"Our investment realization in the first semester of 2025 has also reached Rp 942 trillion. This is an increase of 13.6 percent from last year. We have achieved the 2025 state budget target before the end of this year, and have absorbed 1.2 million Indonesian workers," said Prabowo.

Another success, said Prabowo, is evident in the implementation of the "Free Nutritious Meals" program, which has been his flagship initiative since he began campaigning. To date, he stated, approximately 20 million individuals, including children and pregnant women, have received free nutritious meals managed by the National Nutrition Agency.

Furthermore, Prabowo continued, this flagship program has already shown impacts even though it has only been running for eight months. The effects of the program, he stated, are evident from the increase in attendance and achievements of children in schools. With more than 5,000 nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG), the program has also created 290,000 new job opportunities.

“Brazil took 11 years to provide 40 million nutritious meals for free every day. Brothers and sisters, we sometimes have to acknowledge that our nation has the capability. Our nation, if there is a will, can accomplish many things together,” said Prabowo.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the MPR, Ahmad Muzani, expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo's leadership over the past 10 years. According to him, several flagship programs launched by the government have begun to show benefits for the citizens. These programs include Free Nutritious Meals, Red and White Cooperatives, People's Schools, and Free Health Check-ups. The success of these programs demonstrates the government's commitment to making this nation increasingly competitive and sovereign on a global scale.

"The direction of development has been established towards food independence, energy resilience, national defense, and technological excellence. Programs such as downstream processing, development of border areas, digitalization of public services, and strengthening of MSMEs have become important engines for creating an inclusive and resilient economy in the face of global uncertainties," explained Muzani.

Moreover, Muzani stated that Prabowo's leadership simultaneously actualizes the implementation of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. This is because various programs created prioritize economic independence. All natural resources are managed by the state for national interests.

Appreciation for Prabowo also came from the Chairperson of the DPR, Puan Maharani. She assessed that Prabowo successfully responded quickly and resolved several strategic issues that directly relate to the interests of the people. Some of these issues include the revocation of mining permits in the Raja Ampat Geopark area, the resolution of boundary disputes between Aceh and North Sumatra, policies for purchasing farmers' rice at fair prices, and others.

"This swift response deserves appreciation as it reflects the government's commitment to the interests of the people. However, it would be better if these measures were the result of careful and thorough planning, thus becoming part of the government's regular performance," stated Puan.