The enforcement targeted unlicensed mining operations in the Pelangan Limited Production Forest (HPT) RTK.07 in Sekotong Subdistrict, West Lombok District.
The joint operation was conducted from Oct. 28–29 by the ministry’s Law Enforcement Directorate (Gakkum) with the provincial forestry, energy, and environment offices, and 162/Wira Bhakti Regional Military Command (Korem).
“Illegal mining in forest areas damages ecosystems and threatens community safety,” said Dwi Januanto Nugroho, the ministry’s director general for Law Enforcement.
“We will act firmly against the perpetrators while considering social aspects. Law enforcement must go hand in hand with community development to reduce dependency on illegal activities,” he added.
On Oct. 30, a combined team from Gakkum’s Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara regional office and the military placed warning signs and crime scene tapes at four key points - including the main access road near PT Indotan’s security post, a waste pond, and two main mining shafts.
Authorities found more than 500 residents still conducting manual gold mining using simple tools, compressors, and toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide to extract gold from ore, without heavy machinery.
Given that most miners are local villagers, Dwi said enforcement will continue in stages with stronger coordination among local governments and security agencies to balance law and livelihoods.
He added that Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has directed that all crackdowns be carried out “firmly, proportionately, and fairly.”
The government has pledged to tighten monitoring of illegal mining across Indonesia, which has caused severe environmental degradation and safety risks in several provinces.
President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating smuggling, illegal mining, and other law violations for the benefit of the Indonesian people.
“We must not be afraid to eliminate smuggling, illegal mining, and all related crimes,” Prabowo said during a visit and handover of seized state assets in Pangkalpinang on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025.
He urged law enforcement agencies to protect and recover the nation’s wealth for the people.
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Translator: Prisca TV, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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