Joint Task Force Finds Remnants of Illegal Gold Mining Ahead of UNESCO Revalidation in Merangin Geopark

A joint task force discovered remnants of illegal gold mining (PETI) within the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) Merangin in Jambi Province. The team found the former illegal mining sites while patrolling the Batang Merangin river basin on Monday (20/7). The operation, led by Merangin Police Operations Chief AKP Edi Bernawan, involved 250 personnel from the police, military, and the Public Order Agency. Merangin Police Chief Ajun Komisaris Besar Kiki Fimansyah Effendi confirmed that while no active mining was found, the team discovered and destroyed a wooden sluice box used for sifting gold. The crackdown is part of a commitment to protect the geopark ahead of a UNESCO revalidation assessment in early August 2026, which will determine if the site retains its world heritage status.