Kuansing Police Destroy 24 Illegal Gold Mining Rafts in a Week

The Kuantan Singingi Police have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling illegal gold mining (PETI) within their jurisdiction, destroying 24 illegal mining rafts over the past week. The enforcement action was carried out across ten sites in the sub-districts of Singingi Hilir, Singingi, Kuantan Tengah, Kuantan Mudik, and Kuantan Hilir from 17 to 23 July 2026. ‘In one week, we have conducted operations at ten locations across several sub-districts. Beyond law enforcement, we continue to prioritise preventive measures through mitigation activities and by issuing appeals to the community,’ said Kuantan Singingi Police Chief AKBP Hidayat Permana in a statement on Monday (27/7/2026). AKBP Hidayat stated that the approach to handling illegal mining does not solely rely on punitive action but also on prevention through educating the public to avoid involvement in activities that damage the environment and endanger lives. ‘We invite the entire community to work together to protect the environment and refrain from illegal mining activities. Let us prevent environmental destruction and avoid casualties resulting from such activities,’ he added. The Police Chief also noted that his force has coordinated and collaborated with various community elements and stakeholders by forming a task force to curb illegal mining in Kuantan Singingi Regency. Furthermore, the police are synergising with the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government, the Riau Provincial Government, and receiving support from the Riau Police Chief to accelerate the establishment of a People’s Mining Area (WPR). He concluded that the WPR, which is currently under discussion at the provincial government level, is expected to provide a long-term solution for regulating legal community mining activities, ensuring they operate according to legislation and provide benefits to the community without compromising safety and environmental sustainability.