Illegal Mining Operations Damage Provincial Road in Tasikmalaya
Alleged illegal mining activity in AH Nasution Road, Mangkubumi District, Tasikmalaya City, has been complained about by residents and road users. The mining operation, located on the connector road between Tasikmalaya City and Garut Regency via Singaparna, is blamed for contaminating the newly rehabilitated provincial road maintained by the West Java Provincial Government.
At the site, dozens of dump trucks transport sand in and out daily from morning until evening. Soil material carried by the heavy vehicles spills onto the road surface, causing slippery conditions during rain and dusty conditions during hot weather.
The road had previously been rehabilitated under a programme by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, including asphalt paving, concrete casting, and drainage channel improvements. However, residents believe the road condition has deteriorated again due to mining transport activities.
Indra, 55, a resident of Mangkubumi District, stated that the mining activity has been ongoing for a long time without any enforcement action.
“The Mangkubumi District road was just rehabilitated by the West Java Governor, Dedi Mulyadi, with asphalt paving and concrete, as well as drainage channel improvements. However, with the illegal mining activity, the road has become dirty, slippery and dusty, causing many drivers, including myself, to nearly skid several times,” said Indra on Monday, 2 March 2026.
He added that the mining operation is allegedly owned by a Tasikmalaya City DPRD member from the Democratic Party. According to him, mining operations continue despite a joint team consisting of DPRD Commission I, civil police (Satpol PP), and Tasikmalaya City Police conducting surprise inspections of several mines in other areas.
“The closure of illegal mining in Bungursari District appears selective, as mining activity in Mangkubumi escaped closure and soil material contaminated the road. We request that the West Java Governor personally intervene to close the operation as it can cause road damage,” he said.
Similar complaints were made by Wawan, a motorcyclist from Singaparna. He said he must exercise extra caution when passing through the route, especially after rain.
“We have already reminded other riders to be vigilant several times, because the newly rehabilitated road is covered with red soil and the conditions are slippery,” said Wawan.
He hopes that the Tasikmalaya City Government, together with the West Java Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Branch Office, will immediately investigate and take enforcement action if the operation lacks proper permits.
“We hope the government and West Java ESDM will promptly close the operation if it is indeed illegal, so that the road does not deteriorate quickly and road user safety is not endangered,” he said.
As of publication, no official statement has been issued by mining operation management or the DPRD member allegedly connected to the land ownership. Residents hope for firm action to maintain the condition of the provincial road and protect road user safety.