Headline: Residents Lodge Complaint Against Experts’ Testimony in Rp 271 Trillion Timah Case Dispute
Subheadline: Local leaders question the competency of IPB professor in calculating environmental damage, calling for clearer evidence to support the Rp 271 trillion loss figure.
SEO Keywords: Timah case, environmental damage, Bambang Hero Saharjo, pencemaran lingkungan, kerugian negara, Bangka Belitung
Meta Description: Local residents in Babel question the competency of Professor Bambang Hero Saharjo from IPB in calculating environmental damage in the Rp 271 trillion Timah case. They urge for clearer evidence and transparency in the investigation.
In a surprising turn of events, residents of Babel, led by Dewan Pimpinan Daerah (DPD) Putra Putri Tempatan (Perpat) Babel’s head, Andi Kusuma, have lodged a police report against Professor Dr. Bambang Hero Saharjo, a renowned environmentalist from Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB). Andi accused Bambang of providing false testimony regarding the environmental damage and subsequent financial losses in the high-profile Timah case, which is estimated to have cost the nation Rp 271 trillion.
Andi submitted a report to the Papua Barat Regional Police (Polda Babel) on Friday, citing Bambang’s incompetence in calculating the environmental damage. He argued, "Bambang is not an expert in calculating national ecological losses. All his ‘findings’ were based on satellite imagery." Andi also expressed concern over the alleged impact of this calculation on Babel’s economy, stating that the province is still grappling with economic challenges.
The Timah case, involving illegal mining activities and environmental degradation, has been a cause for alarm among local residents and authorities alike. The deafening Rp 271 trillion figure, representing total environmental losses, has been a point of contention, with many questioning the methodologies used to arrive at this staggering amount.
Andi emphasized that the local economy is struggling, with many workers laid off due to the ongoing crisis. He suggested that while he supports the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in investigating the Timah case, the methodology and transparency of the calculations should be scrutinized thoroughly.
Bambang, in his defense, has maintained that his calculations are based on established scientific methods and satellite imagery. He argues that the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities is both visible and quantifiable.
Meanwhile, the Papua Barat Regional Police (Polda Babel) spokesperson, Kombes Nyoman Merthadana, confirmed receiving the police report. He assured that the police will thoroughly investigate the matter.
In another development, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has opened an investigation into the Timah case, naming several corporations as suspects. They suspect a total national loss of Rp 300 trillion, including environmental damages.
The residents of Babel, however, continue to question the transparency and methodology behind these staggering figures, urging for more clarity and accountability in the ongoing investigation.
