Kutai launches ?sweeping? operation against illegal coal miners

The administration of Kutai Kartanegara regency in East Kalimantan launched on Wednesday a ?sweeping? operation against illegal coal mining operations in cooperation with the regency military command, Kaltim Pos reported on Thursday.

During the first day of the operation, which was carried out in Sangasanga and Muara Jawa districts, the special team had seized about 200,000 tons of coal which were strongly believed to be produced from illegal coal mines in the area.

Six men who were also believed to be involved in the illegal coal mining activities were also arrested for further questioning. ?We will try to find out the real boss of the illegal coal mines,? the chief of the regency military command, Lt Col. Dwi Lestiyo said.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the local governments in East, Central and West Kalimantan to take a serious action against the mushrooming illegal mining activities in the provinces. The illegal miners who mostly operate within a concession area of licensed coal miners have caused serious damages on the environment. (*)