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| Illegal gold mining activities in West Kalimantan continue to spread, causing environmental damage, health concerns, and renewed scrutiny over law enforcement efforts. |
Illegal gold mining activities, widely known in Indonesia as PETI (Penambangan Emas Tanpa Izin), continue to operate across multiple regions in West Kalimantan, raising concerns over environmental destruction, public health risks, and the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in the province.
The issue has reportedly persisted for years, with illegal mining sites believed to exist in nearly every regency across West Kalimantan. The ongoing operations have triggered growing public criticism over the inability of authorities to stop the activity.
According to information gathered by the BorneoTribun Fact Check Team, there are allegations of weekly payments linked to illegal mining operations. The alleged payments are estimated to range between Rp1 million and Rp2 million per week for a single mining unit.
The number of illegal mining units operating across West Kalimantan is also suspected to exceed 2,000 sets, further fueling concerns about weak oversight and enforcement.
Rivers and Ecosystems Under Threat
Environmental damage has become one of the biggest concerns surrounding illegal gold mining activities in the region.
Several rivers are believed to have been heavily affected by mining operations, with muddy water and sedimentation increasingly visible in areas near mining sites. Communities that rely on rivers for daily water use are now facing the risk of contamination and long-term environmental degradation.
Land destruction around mining areas has also raised fears about the future impact on local ecosystems and surrounding villages.
The situation has created a difficult debate among residents. On one side, illegal mining is viewed as a source of income and economic survival. On the other, the environmental and health consequences continue to grow.
Health Risks for Nearby Communities
Residents living near illegal mining locations are also feared to face increasing health risks.
Polluted river water and environmental contamination could potentially affect communities that depend on local water sources for bathing, washing, and other daily activities.
The worsening condition of rivers in several parts of West Kalimantan has intensified public concern about the long-term health impact of illegal mining operations.
Allegations of Protection and Illegal Payments
The report also alleges that several individuals linked to law enforcement and village-level public service institutions may have allowed illegal mining activities to continue operating.
An expression commonly referred to as “masuk angin” has also surfaced in public discussions, allegedly referring to informal payment practices connected to illegal mining activities.
However, no official response has yet been issued regarding the allegations.
Leadership Change at West Kalimantan Police
Meanwhile, the position of West Kalimantan Police Chief is expected to change hands from Inspector General Pipit Rismanto to Inspector General Alberd Teddy Benhard Sianipar.
The leadership transition has drawn public attention amid ongoing concerns over illegal gold mining activities throughout the province.
Many residents are now waiting to see whether the new leadership will bring stronger law enforcement measures against illegal mining operations or whether the same long-standing problems will continue under a different administration.
BorneoTribun Claims to Hold Evidence
The BorneoTribun Fact Check Team stated that it has obtained photos and videos allegedly showing illegal gold mining activities in several areas across West Kalimantan.
At the same time, the team acknowledged that the findings may still be disputed by certain parties connected to the issue.
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