Clashes Erupt as Tin Miners Protest at PT Timah Headquarters

October 6, 2025 | 06:11 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A riot during a massive protest by tin miners led to the destruction of the tin-mining giant PT Timah's head office on Jenderal Sudirman Street, Pangkalpinang City, on Monday, October 6, 2025. Tempo observed that the crowd broke through the police security barricade and immediately began damaging PT Timah's office facilities.

They knocked down the boundary fence and broke the windows, causing severe damage to the office. The protest resulted in casualties among the protesters, civilians, police, and journalists due to tear gas shots. Even traders and children were affected after tear gas entered nearby residential areas.

Several journalists covering the demonstration also suffered from tear gas, experiencing stinging eyes, burning noses, and dizziness. TVRI journalist Eko was also hit by water cannon shots, causing swelling on his forehead.

The massive protest by miners from several areas on Bangka Island was triggered by their anxiety over the activities of the Nanggala Task Force (formed by PT Timah) and the Halilintar Task Force (formed by the government) in cracking down on illegal tin mining.

"These activities are disturbing because the tin sand from our mining is not being bought. Collectors do not want to buy it because they are afraid of the task forces," said Isma, a resident of Jebus, West Bangka Regency, on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Isma stated that the difficulty in selling tin sand impacts their ability to meet basic economic needs, like buying rice and other household necessities. "We're not trying to get rich. Just to have something to eat," he said. Isma claimed that miners were already struggling because their tin was being bought at low prices, but now, no one wants to buy it at all. "How will my child eat and buy milk like this?" he lamented.

Leo, a tin miner in South Bangka, said that people who work as miners actually want to operate legally. However, he noted that the bureaucratic process, including obtaining permits, covering costs, and administration with PT Timah, is very difficult for lower-class residents to fulfill.

"Not to mention, the tin sand we mine doesn't fall under PT Timah's Mining Business License (IUP). But we still can't sell our tin," Leo explained.

Leo hopes for clear and easy regulations for people to mine. He mentioned that the designation of People's Mining Area (WPR) is already unclear because mining permits are never issued.

Therefore, Leo asks the government not to simply accuse them of not wanting to follow the rules. "The regulations are already complicated, and the costs are high. Who would want that?" he asserted.

He asked the government to check the facts on the ground and hear information directly from the miners. "Don't just listen to one side from PT Timah or the local government. If PT Timah were loved by the people, they wouldn't need the task force. We would be the ones to protect them," Leo concluded.

Editor's Choice: Alleged Involvement of Indonesian Officials in Illegal Tin Mining Found by Task Force

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Prabowo Reveals Rp300 Trillion in Losses from Illegal Mining in Bangka Belitung

2 jam lalu

Why BEM UI Held a Protest Themed 'People's Hearing'

5 jam lalu

Morocco's Gen Z Leads Eight Days of Protests over Poor Health and Education Systems

7 jam lalu

PT Freeport Indonesia Recovers Three Bodies from Grasberg Mine Landslide

22 jam lalu

One Worker Found Dead in Freeport Indonesia Mine Incident

1 hari lalu

Indonesian Govt to Lift TikTok Suspension Once Platform Meets All Conditions

2 hari lalu

Greece Protests Erupt as Unions Reject Proposed 13-Hour Workday

3 hari lalu

Pakistan: Kashmir Unrest Leaves 8 Dead

3 hari lalu

Jakarta Court Delays Student's Riot Lawsuit as President, Police Chief Absent

5 hari lalu

Disinformation about the Down-Streaming of Nickel Mining

5 hari lalu