Tin Generals' Rich Pickings

Despite being the largest tin producer in the world, Indonesia has been left far behind Malaysia and Thailand in the export of tin ingots. Almost undoubtedly, the flood of ingots in the two neighboring countries is made possible by illegal tin exports from the Bangka-Belitung Islands. The Corruption Eradication Commission has begun an investigation of the clandestine trade, which has caused trillions of rupiah in losses to the state.

The illegal mining practices are difficult to stop because the local community benefits from the investment of the tin entrepreneurs they dub generals. These generals exist with the backing of the security apparatus, politicians and high-ranking officials.