Gold Traders' Association in Mataram Appeals to DPRD, Requests Security Guarantees

The Association of Gold Traders in Sekarbela (Ampera), Mataram City, has complained to the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD). They are requesting security guarantees as they feel frequently accused of buying gold from illegal mining or stolen sources. “So we are asking for assistance and solutions. So that we are not afraid and there is certainty in buying gold from the public,” said Ampera Mataram Chairman Iskandar during a hearing with Commission I of the NTB DPRD on Tuesday (14/4/2026). Iskandar said that dozens of gold traders in Mataram City are worried about gold shop raids occurring outside NTB. He also highlighted the circulation of “cukim” gold or gold from melting down used gold. “The circulation of gold now is stalled because there is no legal certainty yet. People are afraid to go to gold shops, afraid to buy and sell cukim gold because of that case,” said Iskandar. Iskandar also asked the police to provide a sense of security for all gold traders in Mataram. He mentioned that many gold shops in Mataram are accused of being receivers of stolen gold and illegal gold mining results because they are accused of not checking according to procedures. “We request security guarantees for gold shops and ask the National Police to guarantee the security of gold shops in Mataram,” he added. Chairman of Commission I of the NTB DPRD, Mohammad Akri, promised to follow up on the aspirations of the gold traders in Mataram. He will also convey the gold traders’ complaints to the NTB Provincial Police. “Later there will be a meeting with the Provincial Police Chief and related agencies to find a middle ground solution for this. That’s the important thing,” said Akri. Akri asked the Mataram City Government (Pemkot) to also regulate the gold sales trade in Mataram. “This is the area in Mataram City. It needs to be regulated by the city (government). The main point is a sense of security for buying and selling gold. The government must be present to protect the community,” concluded the PPP politician.