Anti-corruption commission investigates 470 miners in Kalimantan

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating into 470 mining companies in Kalimantan on charges they are conducting mining operations in protected forests without proper permits, Koran Tempo reported on Thursday.

KPK vice chairman M. Jasin said in Jakarta on Wednesday that the companies were suspected of violating the Forestry Law No. 41/1999 which prohibits mining activities in forest conservation areas.

Jasin said that these companies might be involved in bribery in order to get permits to conduct mining operations in the protected forests. ?We are still investigating the cases,? he told reporters after attending the Forestry Ministry?s national working meeting

The investigation is expected to be completed this year.

He said that the anti-corruption agency was also investigating the allegation that tin mining company PT Koba Tin in Bangka was also conducting mining operations in forest conservation areas.

Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan said that he would soon revoke the forest-use permit issued to PT Koba Tin. ?The company operates in protected forests which is prohibited under the Forestry Law,? he added. (*)