Corruption trials proceed in Samarinda and Surabaya regarding mining permits

Legal proceedings continue in two separate corruption cases involving mining and energy sector officials in Indonesia.

In Samarinda, the Corruption Court is hearing a case concerning the alleged misuse of transmigration land in Kutai Kartanegara involving the JMB Group. Witnesses, including mining inspectors and civil servants, testified regarding reclamation guarantees and mine closure technicalities. While witnesses confirmed seeing deposit documents from Jembayan Muara Bara (JMB), they stated they lacked knowledge regarding the company’s commercial operations, production volumes, or specific land compensation details.

In Surabaya, former East Java Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Department Head Nur Kholis appeared as a witness in a corruption trial involving Aris Mukiyono. Mukiyono is accused of receiving Rp4.09 billion in illegal levies related to mining and groundwater permits. The indictment alleges that Rp687.5 million of these funds were linked to Nur Kholis, involving sums reportedly provided by former department officials.