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| Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Gold Mining in Solok Selatan, 10 Individuals Detained. |
Illegal gold mining continues to be a serious issue in various regions of Indonesia, including Solok Selatan Regency in West Sumatra. These unauthorized activities not only break the law but also pose a significant threat to the environment and public safety.
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, a joint task force from the Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) of Solok Selatan Police, along with officers from the Koto Parik Gadang Diateh (KPGD) Police Sector, conducted a major raid on an illegal gold mining site located in the Bukit Bulat area, Jorong Sungai Ipuh, in the preparatory village of Balun Pakan Rabaa Tengah, KPGD District.
The operation was led by IPDA Henki Saputra from the Tipidter Unit and KPGD Police Chief IPTU Taufik Indra, S.H., M.H. The team included nine Satreskrim officers, six KPGD Police officers, and one member of the 0309/Solok Military Intelligence Unit, Serda Ali Akbar. Their coordinated effort highlights how seriously the authorities are taking the fight against illegal mining.
Challenging Terrain Doesn’t Stop the Operation
To reach the remote mining site, the team had to trek 3 to 4 kilometers through hilly terrain from the main Muara Labuh–Padang road. The journey took approximately four hours on foot, but the team remained committed to their mission.
Once they arrived at the site, they found active illegal mining in progress. The team immediately moved in to secure the area and detain those involved.
10 People Arrested, Evidence Seized
Head of the Solok Selatan Criminal Investigation Unit, AKP Hilmi Manossoh Prayugo, S.I.K., M.H., confirmed that ten individuals suspected of illegal mining activities were arrested during the raid. These suspects were caught at two different mining locations, both operated manually and believed to be owned by individuals with the initials SN and AS—five workers were arrested at each site.
Authorities also confiscated several items used in the illegal mining operation, including two hammers, two blowers, and four sacks of material suspected to contain gold ore.
“All suspects and evidence have been brought to Solok Selatan Police Headquarters for further investigation,” AKP Hilmi explained.
Heavy Penalties Await the Suspects
The suspects will be charged under multiple Indonesian laws, including Law No. 3 of 2020 on Mineral and Coal Mining, Law No. 7 of 2014 on Trade, and Law No. 9 of 2008 on Hazardous Chemical Use.
“These individuals face up to five years in prison and fines reaching up to Rp100 billion,” added AKP Hilmi.
Mine Shafts Closed, Police Lines Installed
Aside from making arrests, the joint task force also sealed off the mine shafts and placed police tape around the area. Banners were also installed to warn the public against conducting illegal mining or using dangerous chemicals like mercury and cyanide.
This effort serves not only as a law enforcement action but also as a preventive measure to deter future illegal operations.
Firm Action and Public Awareness Needed
This raid demonstrates the strong commitment of local authorities in combating illegal mining, which has been causing environmental degradation and threatening community safety. Illegal miners often use toxic substances that can contaminate water sources, trigger landslides, and destroy natural habitats.
Such actions also rob the country of valuable resources and income. It’s important for the public to understand that being involved in illegal mining can have severe legal consequences, as well as long-term impacts on their health and surroundings.
The successful crackdown on illegal gold mining in Solok Selatan is a reminder that law enforcement is actively working to protect the environment and public well-being. With ongoing supervision and increased community awareness, we can hope for a future where illegal mining is a thing of the past.
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