Illegal Gold Miners Flee into Forest During Raid in North Sumatra

The North Sumatra Provincial Government’s Integrated Team has once again discovered unlicensed gold mining (PETI) activity in Mandailing Natal Regency. During a crackdown operation in the Batang Gadis River area, near Muara Mais, the perpetrators fled into the forest upon learning of the officers’ arrival.

Head of the North Sumatra Environment and Forestry Service, Heri Wahyudi Marpaung, stated that the operation was a follow-up to efforts to crack down on illegal mining activities that damage the environment and threaten public safety. ‘When the Integrated Team arrived at the location, the PETI perpetrators, who were aware of the officers’ arrival, immediately fled by crossing the Batang Gadis River into the forest,’ he said on Saturday (4/7).

Although the perpetrators managed to escape, officers secured a number of pieces of evidence and discovered various equipment used to support the illegal gold mining activities.

Field inspections revealed that the PETI activity had caused serious environmental damage. Dredging along the banks of the Batang Gadis River has altered the landscape, damaged the ecosystem, and eroded the soil to the point of nearing the Trans-Sumatra Highway.

According to Heri, this condition could increase the risk of flooding and landslides, endangering the public and disrupting national road infrastructure if the illegal mining activities continue.

Head of the North Sumatra Industry, Trade, Energy, and Mineral Resources Service, Dedi Jamiansyah Putra, said the Integrated Team had destroyed the facilities and equipment used for the PETI activity. They also confiscated evidence found at the site. Action against those involved will be processed in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

Dedi confirmed that the North Sumatra Provincial Government will continue to conduct sustainable crackdown operations against unlicensed gold mining activities in various regions. This step is taken to uphold the law, preserve the environment, protect public safety, and ensure that natural resource management is carried out legally and sustainably.

The North Sumatra Provincial Government also urged the public not to engage in illegal mining activities and to report any PETI practices to the authorities or relevant agencies if they encounter them.