Prabowo Urged to Crack Down on Illegal Gold Mining in West Kalimantan
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| President Prabowo Subianto has been urged to crack down on illegal gold mining in West Kalimantan amid growing concerns over river damage and environmental destruction. (Illustration image) |
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has been urged to take firm action against illegal gold mining activities that are reportedly still widespread across West Kalimantan. The unlicensed mining operations are believed to be causing serious environmental damage and raising concerns over public health in nearby communities.
According to information gathered by the BorneoTribun Fact Check Team, illegal gold mining activities, commonly known as PETI, are allegedly operating in almost every regency across West Kalimantan. The situation has prompted public questions over the effectiveness of law enforcement and government oversight, as the operations are said to have continued openly for years.
The report also mentions alleged routine payments linked to the illegal mining activities. The payments were reportedly estimated at around Rp1 million to Rp2 million per week for each mining unit.
More than 2,000 illegal mining units are also believed to be operating throughout West Kalimantan. The figure has intensified concerns over weak supervision and enforcement in the region.
Environmental damage has become one of the most visible impacts of the mining activities. Rivers that local residents rely on for daily needs are reportedly being polluted due to dredging and mining operations.
In addition to water contamination, land degradation and river sedimentation are also considered long-term threats to ecosystems surrounding mining areas.
The issue has created a dilemma for local communities. While mining activities are seen as a source of income for many residents, environmental damage and health risks are increasingly affecting people living near the mining sites.
Residents near the mining areas are feared to be exposed to environmental contamination, particularly through polluted river water used in daily activities.
The report further alleged the involvement of several individuals, ranging from law enforcement personnel to village-level public service officials, who were accused of allowing the illegal mining activities to continue. The term “masuk angin” was also mentioned in relation to alleged payment practices connected to the operations.
However, the allegations have not yet received an official response from the related authorities.
The BorneoTribun Fact Check Team claimed to possess photos and videos showing illegal gold mining activities in several areas of West Kalimantan. At the same time, the team acknowledged that certain parties may deny the allegations.
Public attention has also increased ahead of the leadership transition at the West Kalimantan Regional Police, from Inspector General Pipit Rismanto to Inspector General Alberd Teddy Benhard Sianipar. The change in leadership is viewed as an important moment in efforts to address illegal mining activities in the province.
The public is now waiting to see whether the new leadership will take stronger action against illegal gold mining operations that many believe remain difficult to stop.
