Jakarta, Aug. 21 -- Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq confirmed that his ministry will impose heavier sanctions on PT Genesis Regeneration Smelting (GRS), a lead-processing company in Serang, Banten, following an assault on a reporter during an inspection.

Speaking in Serang on Thursday, Nurofiq expressed deep regret over the incident, in which a journalist and several ministry staff members were beaten during a surprise inspection. The visit was carried out after authorities found that PT GRS lacked the proper permits to operate.

"We will thoroughly pursue this case. For the company in question, because this violence has occurred, we will impose additional sanctions considering the impacts they have caused," he said.

The minis...