Prabowo Urged to Crack Down on Illegal Gold Mining in West Kalimantan

Saputra Berry    Thursday, May 14, 2026    Comment   

Prabowo Urged to Crack Down on Illegal Gold Mining in West Kalimantan

President Prabowo Subianto has been urged to crack down on illegal gold mining in West Kalimantan amid growing concerns over river damage and environmental destruction. (Illustration image)

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has been urged to take firm action against illegal gold mining activities that are reportedly still widespread across West Kalimantan. The unlicensed mining operations are believed to be causing serious environmental damage and raising concerns over public health in nearby communities.

According to information gathered by the BorneoTribun Fact Check Team, illegal gold mining activities, commonly known as PETI, are allegedly operating in almost every regency across West Kalimantan. The situation has prompted public questions over the effectiveness of law enforcement and government oversight, as the operations are said to have continued openly for years.

The report also mentions alleged routine payments linked to the illegal mining activities. The payments were reportedly estimated at around Rp1 million to Rp2 million per week for each mining unit.

More than 2,000 illegal mining units are also believed to be operating throughout West Kalimantan. The figure has intensified concerns over weak supervision and enforcement in the region.

Environmental damage has become one of the most visible impacts of the mining activities. Rivers that local residents rely on for daily needs are reportedly being polluted due to dredging and mining operations.

In addition to water contamination, land degradation and river sedimentation are also considered long-term threats to ecosystems surrounding mining areas.

The issue has created a dilemma for local communities. While mining activities are seen as a source of income for many residents, environmental damage and health risks are increasingly affecting people living near the mining sites.

Residents near the mining areas are feared to be exposed to environmental contamination, particularly through polluted river water used in daily activities.

The report further alleged the involvement of several individuals, ranging from law enforcement personnel to village-level public service officials, who were accused of allowing the illegal mining activities to continue. The term “masuk angin” was also mentioned in relation to alleged payment practices connected to the operations.

However, the allegations have not yet received an official response from the related authorities.

The BorneoTribun Fact Check Team claimed to possess photos and videos showing illegal gold mining activities in several areas of West Kalimantan. At the same time, the team acknowledged that certain parties may deny the allegations.

Public attention has also increased ahead of the leadership transition at the West Kalimantan Regional Police, from Inspector General Pipit Rismanto to Inspector General Alberd Teddy Benhard Sianipar. The change in leadership is viewed as an important moment in efforts to address illegal mining activities in the province.

The public is now waiting to see whether the new leadership will take stronger action against illegal gold mining operations that many believe remain difficult to stop.

16 Football Schools Join 2026 President’s Cup National Football Festival in Banjarmasin

Saputra Berry    Thursday, May 14, 2026    Comment   

16 Football Schools Join 2026 President’s Cup National Football Festival in Banjarmasin

Sixteen football schools are competing in the 2026 President’s Cup National Football Festival in Banjarmasin to identify promising young football talent.

A total of 16 football schools (SSB) are competing in the 2026 President’s Cup National Football Festival for the Under-10 and Under-12 categories at Kayu Tangi Football Field in North Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The tournament was officially opened by Banjarmasin Mayor H Muhammad Yamin HR on Thursday.

The event, organized by the Banjarmasin Football Association (PSSI), features eight football schools in the U-10 category and eight in the U-12 category, all representing Banjarmasin.

Muhammad Yamin said the tournament is aimed at identifying and developing young football talent from an early age for future competitions.

“The goal is to discover young talents from an early age,” Yamin said during the opening ceremony at Kayu Tangi Football Field.

He emphasized that all participants must strictly meet the required age categories to ensure fair competition and proper player development.

“The U-10 category is specifically for 10-year-old players only, no older and no younger. The same rule applies to U-12,” he explained.

The best teams and players from the tournament will later represent Banjarmasin at the provincial level before advancing to the national stage.

Yamin also called for continued support from the community and stakeholders to strengthen youth football development in Banjarmasin and help local clubs bring pride to the city.

Meanwhile, organizing committee chairman Hari Kartono said the Banjarmasin PSSI Association was appointed by the South Kalimantan PSSI Provincial Association to host the city-level competition.

According to Kartono, the tournament will award first, second, and third-place winners, as well as individual honors such as Best Player and Top Scorer.

“The champions from this event will represent Banjarmasin at the provincial level,” Kartono said.

He also appreciated the support from the Banjarmasin city government for grassroots football development, including a planned Rp15 million bonus for the tournament champions.

“Mr. Mayor has also announced a Rp15 million bonus for the children who become champions,” he added.

Kartono noted that all participating football schools are officially registered with the Banjarmasin PSSI Association in accordance with guidelines from the South Kalimantan PSSI Provincial Association.

Banjarmasin Mayor Opens 2026 Mayor’s Cup Fencing Championship with Over 100 Athletes

Saputra Berry    Thursday, May 14, 2026    Comment   

Banjarmasin Mayor Opens 2026 Mayor’s Cup Fencing Championship with Over 100 Athletes

Banjarmasin Mayor H Muhammad Yamin HR opened the 2026 Mayor’s Cup Fencing Championship, featuring more than 100 student athletes at Kodim 1007 Headquarters.

Banjarmasin Mayor H Muhammad Yamin HR officially opened the 2026 Mayor’s Cup Fencing Championship at the Kodim 1007/Banjarmasin Headquarters in South Kalimantan on Wednesday (May 14). The tournament, which runs through May 16, features more than 100 athletes, most of them students.

Yamin praised the high level of participation in the competition. He said the growing enthusiasm for fencing reflects the strong development programs carried out by the Indonesian Fencing Association (IKASI) of South Kalimantan and Banjarmasin City.

According to him, the Mayor’s Cup is not only a competition but also an opportunity to strengthen connections among athletes and the local fencing community.

“We hope the Mayor’s Cup becomes a place for athletes to connect, gather, and discuss the future development of fencing. While there will certainly be winners, the most important thing is maintaining sportsmanship,” Yamin said.

He also expressed hope that the championship would run smoothly and help produce promising athletes capable of representing Banjarmasin at higher levels of competition.

Chairman of IKASI Banjarmasin and Commander of Kodim 1007/Banjarmasin, Colonel Czi Slamet Riyadi, said the event serves as an important moment for the growth of fencing in the city.

He added that the tournament is part of the celebrations for Banjarmasin’s 500th anniversary.

“We hope this championship can help identify new fencing talents. Hopefully fencing can become one of Banjarmasin’s leading sports and achieve success at the national and international levels,” he said.

Slamet noted that participation from more than 100 athletes shows the increasing popularity of fencing in South Kalimantan, especially in Banjarmasin, which currently has the province’s largest number of fencing athletes.

The championship is expected to strengthen athlete development programs while helping improve Banjarmasin’s achievements in fencing competitions nationwide.

PT WHW AR Special Port in Ketapang Temporarily Shut Down by KKP

Saputra Berry    Thursday, May 14, 2026    Comment   

PT WHW AR Special Port in Ketapang Temporarily Shut Down by KKP

KKP temporarily sealed PT WHW AR’s special terminal in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, over alleged incomplete PKKPRL marine spatial utilization permits.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) temporarily sealed the special terminal operated by PT Whell Harvest Winning Alumina Refinery (WHW AR) in Sungai Tengar Village, Kendawangan District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, on Wednesday (May 13, 2026). The suspension was imposed because the facility was allegedly operating without a complete Marine Spatial Utilization Conformity Approval (PKKPRL).

The sealing operation was carried out by the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), which installed official warning and sealing signs at the PT WHW AR port area.

The action was announced through the official PSDKP social media account on Thursday (May 14, 2026). According to the agency, the temporary shutdown followed indications of violations related to marine spatial utilization permits.

Director General of PSDKP Pung Nugroho Saksono stated that the ministry would not tolerate businesses that ignore regulations governing marine and coastal area permits.

“Based on field inspections, indications of violations were found at three dock points with a total marine space utilization area of approximately 5,000 square meters,” Pung Nugroho Saksono wrote on the official PSDKP social media account Thursday.

KKP said the enforcement action was intended to ensure all marine space utilization activities comply with regulations while also protecting coastal and marine ecosystems.

The ministry also urged businesses operating in coastal and small island areas to complete all required licensing documents in accordance with existing regulations.

According to KKP, regulatory compliance is necessary to maintain ecological balance while supporting sustainable investment in Indonesia’s marine and fisheries sectors.tyle

Banjarbaru Government Inspects Gas Stations After Long Vehicle Lines

Saputra Berry    Thursday, May 14, 2026    Comment   

Banjarbaru Government Inspects Gas Stations After Long Vehicle Lines

Banjarbaru officials inspected several gas stations after long vehicle lines formed across the city. Mayor Erna Lisa Halaby confirmed fuel supplies remain safe and stable. (Illustration image)

The Banjarbaru City Government in South Kalimantan conducted surprise inspections at several gas stations on Wednesday following long vehicle lines, aiming to ensure fuel supplies remain stable.

Banjarbaru Mayor Erna Lisa Halaby visited the sites alongside local government officials and police officers to monitor conditions at three gas stations experiencing heavy congestion across the city.

The inspections focused on gas stations located on Trikora Street, Pelaihari Road Km 21.7 in Liang Anggang, and Mistar Cokrokusumo Street in Cempaka.

The city government said the inspections were carried out to make sure the long queues were not caused by disruptions in fuel distribution or shortages that could trigger public panic buying.

During the visits, the mayor also spoke with gas station staff and monitored fuel distribution activities to ensure public services continued operating normally.

The Banjarbaru administration, together with police personnel, deployed joint officers at several gas stations considered prone to traffic congestion due to vehicle queues.

Personnel from local police units, traffic police, municipal public order officers, and Sabhara units were assigned to manage traffic flow so queues would remain orderly and not spill onto public roads.

“Today, together with officials and the Banjarbaru Police Chief, we went directly to the field to monitor and follow up on public complaints regarding the long lines at gas stations,” Erna Lisa Halaby said in Banjarbaru on Wednesday.

Lisa assured residents that fuel supplies in Banjarbaru remain secure.

“We are here to ensure fuel availability for Banjarbaru. God willing, the supply is safe because the regional government guarantees national fuel stocks remain secure,” she said.

She also urged residents to stay calm so city activities would not be disrupted by the queues.

“We want the public to remain calm and city activities not to be disrupted simply because of lines at gas stations,” Lisa added.

The Banjarbaru City Government said monitoring of fuel distribution will continue regularly to maintain supply stability and prevent social impacts caused by panic buying.

Coordination with police authorities will also continue to ensure traffic around crowded gas stations remains under control.

South Kalimantan Police Form SPBU Security Task Force to Prevent Subsidized Fuel Hoarding

Saputra Berry    Thursday, May 14, 2026    Comment   

South Kalimantan Police Form SPBU Security Task Force to Prevent Subsidized Fuel Hoarding

South Kalimantan Police formed a security task force at gas stations to prevent subsidized fuel misuse following protests by truck drivers in Banjarbaru. (Illustration image)

South Kalimantan Police on Wednesday formed a Security Reinforcement Task Force to prevent the illegal distribution of subsidized fuel at gas stations in Banjarbaru. The move followed protests by hundreds of truck drivers over difficulties obtaining subsidized diesel fuel.

South Kalimantan Police Head of Operations Sr. Comr. Eko Irianto said the task force was deployed to maintain security and ensure orderly vehicle queues at gas stations while taking action against fuel smuggling practices.

“This task force is stationed at gas stations to ensure security, maintain smooth vehicle queues, and crack down on illegal fuel distribution,” Eko said while meeting protesters outside the South Kalimantan Governor’s Office.

Eko stated that he personally led the task force alongside regional government officials and the Indonesian Military (TNI). He also urged the public, especially truck drivers, to report any acts of thuggery or suspected hoarding of subsidized fuel.

According to him, reports regarding warehouses allegedly used to stockpile subsidized diesel would be followed up immediately by authorities.

“I have instructed all police chiefs in their respective regions to ensure there are no illegal practices at gas stations. If any officers are found involved, the Internal Affairs Division will step in,” he said.

Eko represented South Kalimantan Police Chief Insp. Gen. Rosyanto Yudha Hermawan, who is currently on duty in Jakarta, in meeting the protesters. During the demonstration, the truck drivers urged both the regional government and police to ensure stable diesel fuel distribution.

The drivers complained about difficulties obtaining subsidized diesel at several gas stations. They also called on authorities to eliminate alleged fuel misuse that they said has disrupted freight transportation operations.

South Kalimantan Provincial Secretary Muhammad Syarifuddin said the regional government would immediately coordinate with all related parties to resolve the issue surrounding subsidized fuel distribution.

“None of us wants to see misuse of subsidized fuel because it is the people’s right to access it,” Syarifuddin said.

Authorities have now tightened supervision at gas stations in an effort to ensure subsidized diesel distribution reaches eligible users and to reduce long vehicle queues.

“English Teacher” 6-Minute Video Goes Viral on TikTok and X, Users Warned About Phishing Links

Saputra Berry    Thursday, May 14, 2026    Comment   

“English Teacher” 6-Minute Video Goes Viral on TikTok and X, Users Warned About Phishing Links

The viral “English Teacher” 6-minute video has spread across TikTok and X, prompting warnings over phishing links and potential personal data theft risks.

Searches for a so-called six-minute “English Teacher” video surged across TikTok and X in recent days after anonymous accounts shared short clips designed to spark public curiosity.

The circulating footage shows a woman in what appears to be an official uniform alongside a man wearing a white shirt in a school setting. The captions attached to the clips were intentionally vague and lacked full context.

The trend gained momentum after multiple accounts posted teaser clips claiming to offer the “full 6-minute video.” One scene, particularly around the second minute, quickly became the focus of online discussion.

However, there has been no verified evidence confirming that a complete version of the video actually exists as widely claimed on social media. Many users believe the content may simply be bait intended to attract clicks and engagement.

Another censored clip circulating on X allegedly showed inappropriate behavior involving the male figure in the video. The footage further fueled online speculation and increased public attention around the topic.

The viral spread has also raised concerns about suspicious links being distributed alongside the trending searches.

Cybersecurity experts warned that the phenomenon may be tied to phishing schemes designed to exploit public curiosity online.

The tactic commonly involves sharing links labeled as the “full 6-minute video” while encouraging users to click external URLs or contact anonymous accounts through direct messages.

Bot-generated comments are also reportedly used to convince users that the video is real and accessible. In many cases, the links redirect users to dangerous websites capable of stealing personal information, device data, and digital account access.

The viral “English Teacher” trend highlights how clickbait content is increasingly being used as an entry point for cybercrime. Online curiosity can easily become a gateway to digital fraud and personal data theft.

Internet users are advised to avoid clicking suspicious links from unverified sources and to be cautious of sensational content that lacks confirmation. Reviewing account credibility, user feedback, and app permissions can help reduce the risk of data leaks and cyber threats.

KPK Charges Former HSU Prosecutor Office Chief Albertinus Napitupulu in Banjarmasin Court

Saputra Berry    Wednesday, May 13, 2026    Comment   

KPK Charges Former HSU Prosecutor Office Chief Albertinus Napitupulu in Banjarmasin Court

KPK charged former HSU Prosecutor’s Office chief Albertinus Napitupulu with multiple corruption offenses during his first court hearing in Banjarmasin.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Tuesday charged former Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU) District Prosecutor’s Office chief Albertinus Parlinggoman Napitupulu with multiple corruption-related offenses during his first court hearing at the Banjarmasin District Court.

Two former HSU Prosecutor’s Office officials, ex-Intelligence Section head Asis Budianto and former Civil and State Administration Section head Tri Taruna Fariadi, were also indicted in the case stemming from a KPK sting operation conducted in December 2025.

KPK prosecutor Muhammad Hadi said Albertinus was charged under three separate articles of Indonesia’s anti-corruption law.

The first indictment relates to Article 12(e) in conjunction with Article 18 of Law No. 31/1999 on Corruption Eradication, as amended by Law No. 20/2001, in conjunction with Article 127 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code.

The second charge was filed under Article 12(f) in conjunction with Article 18 of the Anti-Corruption Law and Article 127 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code.

The third indictment concerns Article 12(B) in conjunction with Article 18 of the Anti-Corruption Law and Article 127 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code.

“Defendant Albertinus Parlinggoman Napitupulu has been charged cumulatively,” KPK prosecutor Muhammad Hadi told the court.

Asis Budianto and Tri Taruna Fariadi were also charged cumulatively. Both were indicted under Article 12(e) and Article 12(B) of the Anti-Corruption Law.

During the hearing, only Tri Taruna filed an objection, or legal exception, against the prosecutors’ indictment. Albertinus and Asis did not submit any objections.

KPK prosecutors also disclosed the alleged amount of gratification and extortion included in the indictment.

In the first charge involving alleged abuse of office and extortion tied to all three defendants, the amount cited reached Rp894 million.

The second charge, which only targeted Albertinus and involved alleged direct extortion, stated that he allegedly received Rp257.5 million.

Meanwhile, the third charge involving alleged gratification amounted to Rp822.8 million.

KPK prosecutors said dozens of witnesses have been prepared to testify during the trial proceedings.

Chief Judge Aries Dedi adjourned the hearing after the indictment was read and scheduled the next session for May 21, 2026.

The case originated from a KPK sting operation on Dec. 18, 2025, involving allegations of extortion against several officials and parties within the Hulu Sungai Utara regional administration.

Illegal Gold Mining Continues Across West Kalimantan, Environmental Damage Raises Concern

Saputra Berry    Wednesday, May 13, 2026    Comment   

Illegal Gold Mining Continues Across West Kalimantan, Environmental Damage Raises Concern

Illegal gold mining activities in West Kalimantan continue to spread, causing environmental damage, health concerns, and renewed scrutiny over law enforcement efforts.

Illegal gold mining activities, widely known in Indonesia as PETI (Penambangan Emas Tanpa Izin), continue to operate across multiple regions in West Kalimantan, raising concerns over environmental destruction, public health risks, and the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in the province.

The issue has reportedly persisted for years, with illegal mining sites believed to exist in nearly every regency across West Kalimantan. The ongoing operations have triggered growing public criticism over the inability of authorities to stop the activity.

According to information gathered by the BorneoTribun Fact Check Team, there are allegations of weekly payments linked to illegal mining operations. The alleged payments are estimated to range between Rp1 million and Rp2 million per week for a single mining unit.

The number of illegal mining units operating across West Kalimantan is also suspected to exceed 2,000 sets, further fueling concerns about weak oversight and enforcement.

Rivers and Ecosystems Under Threat

Environmental damage has become one of the biggest concerns surrounding illegal gold mining activities in the region.

Several rivers are believed to have been heavily affected by mining operations, with muddy water and sedimentation increasingly visible in areas near mining sites. Communities that rely on rivers for daily water use are now facing the risk of contamination and long-term environmental degradation.

Land destruction around mining areas has also raised fears about the future impact on local ecosystems and surrounding villages.

The situation has created a difficult debate among residents. On one side, illegal mining is viewed as a source of income and economic survival. On the other, the environmental and health consequences continue to grow.

Health Risks for Nearby Communities

Residents living near illegal mining locations are also feared to face increasing health risks.

Polluted river water and environmental contamination could potentially affect communities that depend on local water sources for bathing, washing, and other daily activities.

The worsening condition of rivers in several parts of West Kalimantan has intensified public concern about the long-term health impact of illegal mining operations.

Allegations of Protection and Illegal Payments

The report also alleges that several individuals linked to law enforcement and village-level public service institutions may have allowed illegal mining activities to continue operating.

An expression commonly referred to as “masuk angin” has also surfaced in public discussions, allegedly referring to informal payment practices connected to illegal mining activities.

However, no official response has yet been issued regarding the allegations.

Leadership Change at West Kalimantan Police

Meanwhile, the position of West Kalimantan Police Chief is expected to change hands from Inspector General Pipit Rismanto to Inspector General Alberd Teddy Benhard Sianipar.

The leadership transition has drawn public attention amid ongoing concerns over illegal gold mining activities throughout the province.

Many residents are now waiting to see whether the new leadership will bring stronger law enforcement measures against illegal mining operations or whether the same long-standing problems will continue under a different administration.

BorneoTribun Claims to Hold Evidence

The BorneoTribun Fact Check Team stated that it has obtained photos and videos allegedly showing illegal gold mining activities in several areas across West Kalimantan.

At the same time, the team acknowledged that the findings may still be disputed by certain parties connected to the issue.

Complaints Over RSUD MTh Djaman Sanggau Services Go Viral on Social Media, BPJS Medication and Facilities Under Fire

Saputra Berry    Wednesday, May 13, 2026    Comment   

Complaints Over RSUD MTh Djaman Sanggau Services Go Viral on Social Media, BPJS Medication and Facilities Under Fire

Complaints about services at RSUD MTh Djaman Sanggau are trending on social media, with residents criticizing BPJS medication shortages and hospital facilities.

Public complaints regarding healthcare services at RSUD MTh Djaman in Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan, have gained widespread attention on social media in recent days. Several residents shared their experiences on Facebook, criticizing BPJS-related services and basic hospital facilities.

One of the main issues highlighted by residents concerns the availability of medication for BPJS patients. Several users claimed they were repeatedly informed that prescribed medicines were out of stock and were instructed to purchase them at private pharmacies.

“I don’t understand it. Every time I come here using BPJS, they always say the medicine is unavailable and tell me to buy it at a private pharmacy,” one resident wrote while posting a photo of RSUD MTh Djaman.

The post quickly sparked reactions from other Facebook users. Many claimed they had experienced similar situations while seeking treatment at the hospital.

Complaints Over RSUD MTh Djaman Sanggau Services Go Viral on Social Media, BPJS Medication and Facilities Under Fire.

Some comments also raised allegations of a lack of transparency involving cooperation between the hospital and certain pharmacies. However, no official explanation has been provided regarding those claims.

In addition to medication issues, complaints also emerged from families of inpatients regarding bathroom access and facility usage.

One resident expressed frustration after allegedly being told that hospital toilets could not be used for bathing by patient attendants.

“How does this make sense? We are staying here for inpatient treatment, but we are not allowed to use the bathroom for bathing. We don’t have family or a house nearby. Are we supposed to travel five hours back to our village just to take a shower?” the resident wrote.

Other complaints in the comment section included concerns about toilet cleanliness and the availability of wheelchairs for patients.

Discussions surrounding healthcare services at RSUD MTh Djaman continue to grow on social media and have attracted significant public attention in Sanggau Regency.

As of publication, the management of RSUD MTh Djaman had not issued an official response to the complaints. Media attempts to seek confirmation through direct messages were reportedly seen but had not received a reply.

The growing number of complaints on social media is expected to draw attention from relevant authorities to evaluate and improve healthcare services at RSUD MTh Djaman.

The public response also reflects strong community expectations for proper healthcare access and adequate facilities, especially for BPJS patients and families of hospitalized patients.