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| Sekadau Police officers arrest illegal gold miners during a raid on the Sekadau River. |
Sekadau Police have arrested four individuals suspected of illegal gold mining (PETI) in the Sekadau River. The suspects, identified by their initials IM (38), IN (29), MU (45), and KS (32), were caught in the act on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Dusun Bangau, Tembaga Village, Nanga Mahap District, Sekadau Regency.
According to Sekadau Police Chief AKBP Donny Molino Manoppo, via Criminal Investigation Unit Head IPTU Zainal Abidin, the arrests were made during a river patrol that uncovered illegal mining activities.
“Officers patrolled the Sekadau River and discovered active gold mining operations along the riverbank,” said IPTU Zainal on Thursday (Aug 7).
The police also seized several tools used for the illegal mining operation. All four suspects are residents of Melawi Regency.
IPTU Zainal stated that this enforcement action was in response to growing complaints from locals about river pollution suspected to be caused by PETI activities.
“We took swift action after receiving reports from the community, and successfully apprehended four individuals involved,” he added.
The suspects are being charged under Article 158 of Law No. 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining, which was last amended by Law No. 2 of 2025.
The law imposes strict penalties for unauthorized mining operations as part of Indonesia’s efforts to preserve its natural environment.
The Sekadau Police continue to urge the public not to engage in PETI, warning of both legal consequences and the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.
“We’ve taken several approaches, both persuasive and legal. Let’s work together to protect the Sekadau River,” IPTU Zainal concluded.