Maluku Police Collaborate with TNI and Forest Area Enforcement Task Force to Monitor Illegal Mining at Gunung Botak from the Air
Ambon (ANTARA) - The Maluku Regional Police are collaborating with the TNI and the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH) to monitor illegal mining activities at Gunung Botak in Buru Regency from the air, ensuring that legal measures are implemented seriously.
“This inspection is important to observe the real conditions on the ground, so that the handling steps taken can be on target. We are fully prepared to support law enforcement against illegal activities at the Gunung Botak mining site,” said the Head of the Maluku Regional Police (Kapolda), Inspector General of Police Dadang Hartanto, in Ambon on Tuesday.
The aerial inspection was carried out using a TNI AL CN-235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from Pattimura Airport in Ambon to directly observe the conditions of illegal mining activities that have been a concern for the central and regional governments.
The activity was also attended by the Governor of Maluku along with Forkopimda elements, including the Head of the High Prosecutor’s Office, the Maluku Defence Regional Commander, and TNI personnel in Maluku.
From the aerial monitoring results, the team obtained a comprehensive picture of the distribution of illegal mining activities, geographical conditions, and potential environmental impacts in the Gunung Botak area.
The Kapolda Maluku emphasised that this step serves as the basis for formulating more effective and measured handling strategies.
He added that addressing illegal mining not only prioritises law enforcement aspects but also requires a comprehensive approach that includes social, economic, and environmental aspects.
“This activity is part of the strategic steps of the Satgas PKH in supporting the enforcement of forest areas and law enforcement against illegal activities in Maluku,” he stated.
He further added that this inspection is expected to strengthen inter-agency synergy in future enforcement operations, including determining technical steps on the ground such as integrated law enforcement, forest area supervision, and efforts to restore the environment impacted by illegal mining activities at Gunung Botak.
Following the inspection, the group is scheduled to hold a limited meeting at the Maluku Governor’s Office to discuss follow-up steps for handling the Gunung Botak area.