During a technical event monitored online from Jakarta on Tuesday, KLH Director of Hazardous and Poisonous Materials Control, Haruki Agustina, emphasized the importance of Presidential Regulation No. 21 of 2019, which mandates regional contributions to national efforts in reducing and eliminating mercury.
“The KLH has launched a program dedicated to guiding the public in avoiding the use of mercury and other hazardous chemicals, especially in small-scale gold mining. It is essential that regional governments formulate corresponding action plans,” she stated.
Agustina noted that, as of early 2025, only 16 provinces and 13 districts or cities have adopted such plans. Meanwhile, the ministry has identified hundreds of illegal small-scale gold mining locations that continue to use mercury.
Despite the government's goal to completely eliminate mercury use in these mining activities by the end of 2025, current progress stands at only 15 percent.
In contrast, significant progress has been made in other sectors. In the battery and lamp manufacturing industries, the government has already fully eliminated mercury use --well ahead of the 50 percent reduction target set for 2030.
In the health sector, mercury-containing medical equipment has been successfully withdrawn, achieving the 2020 elimination goal.
In the energy sector, the government has successfully reduced mercury emissions from steam power plants by 38.8 percent, surpassing its 2030 reduction target of 33.2 percent.
The official affirmed that eliminating mercury use in small-scale gold mining requires stronger coordination and oversight from relevant stakeholders across sectors to prevent ecological losses.
Related news: Indonesian govt task force to speed up mercury use elimination
Related news: Road map vital for eliminating mercury use in gold mining: ministry
Translator: Prisca T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
