Jambi DPRD Highlights Rampant Illegal Gold Mining in Six Regencies

Illegal gold mining activity (PETI) remains rampant in at least six regencies in Jambi Province, prompting the local legislative council (DPRD) to urge law enforcement to accelerate enforcement measures.

Deputy Speaker of the Jambi Provincial DPRD, Ivan Wirata, stated in Jambi on Tuesday that the council has received numerous reports regarding PETI activities, both from media coverage and public complaints.

"We urge law enforcement to immediately carry out firm and measured enforcement. This PETI causes many losses, particularly to local revenue and the environment. We can see the condition of the Batanghari River, which is starting to become polluted, even though it is a source of raw water for the regional water company (PDAM)," he said.

Based on investigation data, PETI activity is still found in the regencies of Tebo, Bungo, Merangin, Batanghari, Sarolangun, and Kerinci.

The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) stated that this activity is suspected of causing forest damage covering 12,202 hectares and pollution of the Batanghari River flow.

Ivan assessed that the PETI problem cannot be resolved solely through legal enforcement. According to him, long-term regulation is needed to provide certainty for communities whose livelihoods depend on the small-scale mining sector.

As part of its oversight function, the DPRD has asked the Jambi Regional Police and related agencies to accelerate efforts to achieve the target of zero PETI in Jambi Province.

Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations for the Jambi Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Erlan Munaji, affirmed that the police will not tolerate anyone involved in PETI activities. "Any individual proven to be involved will be processed firmly in accordance with applicable legal provisions," he said.