RRI.CO.ID, West Bangka - Officials said a joint enforcement team halted operations of 15 production suction pontoons conducting illegal tin mining in the waters of Teluk Kelabat Dalam in Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands. Community leaders praised the move as protecting fishers’ livelihoods and the marine environment.

"On this operation we found 15 production suction pontoons operating without mining permits. We ordered them to stop mining immediately and not to repeat the activity," said Head of Public Relations at the West Bangka Police, Iptu Yos Sudarso, in Mentok on Monday, June 15, 2026.

The action follows a previous raid on Friday, June 12, 2026, when the team seized four production suction pontoons. The patrol was carried out by West Bangka Police together with the Water and Air Police Unit (Polairud), the Polairud Directorate of the Bangka Belitung Regional Police, Polairud unit of the West Bangka Police, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Belinyu, representatives from relevant ministries, and PT Timah Tbk.

Inspections showed the 15 tower-type production pontoons operating at the site lacked legal documentation, specifically the Location Operation Permit (SILO) and the Work Order (SPK).

As a preventive measure, the joint team erected banners prohibiting illegal mining and urged pontoon owners to cease unlicensed activities. "West Bangka Police together with the joint team are present to ensure the waters of Teluk Kelabat Dalam remain safe, orderly, and conducive. This enforcement is a preventive step and an educational effort so mining activities are carried out in accordance with applicable regulations," said Yos, as quoted by Antara.

He warned that illegal mining not only risks legal consequences but can also spark social conflict and threaten the marine environment that supports coastal communities. For that reason, authorities emphasized a human-centered approach through outreach and warnings, while reserving legal action if unlicensed mining continues.

Yos also called on the public to help safeguard the security and sustainability of Teluk Kelabat Dalam for the long-term health of the marine ecosystem and the welfare of local fishers.

According to officials’ records, the 15 pontoons came from Kapit, Pusuk, and Rukam areas. Authorities said the operation is part of broader efforts to uphold legal certainty, maintain public order and security, and protect marine natural resources for sustainable use. ***