North Sumatra Police Uncover Illegal Gold Mining in Mandailing Natal Forest

The North Sumatra Police (Polda Sumatera Utara) uncovered illegal gold mining activities at the border area between South Tapanuli Regency and Mandailing Natal Regency on Monday (2 March). The operation, conducted by a joint team from the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) and the Criminal Special Detective Directorate (Ditreskrimsus), involved more than 200 personnel. In the operation, authorities arrested 17 people suspected of involvement and seized 14 units of heavy equipment, comprising 12 excavators at the mining site and two en route to the mining area.

Wakapolda North Sumatra, Brigadier General Sonny Irawan, said that this firm action is part of Polda Sumut’s efforts to crack down on unlicensed mining practices that can damage the environment and harm the state.

“Initial information we received indicates that at one point in the activity, it could produce around 100 grams of illegal gold. One point. There are several points. That is per day, colleagues,” Sonny said in Medan, on Wednesday (4/3).

Based on preliminary findings, there were six mining holes in operation, with four in South Tapanuli Regency and two in Mandailing Natal Regency. The activity is believed to have been ongoing for about two to three months, expanding from Mandailing Natal to South Tapanuli due to a river separating the locations along the Batang Gadis River.

“This activity has a turnover of billions of rupiah per day. This is also part of protecting the river ecosystem and the surrounding area that could be affected,” he said.

According to him, the 17 people arrested are still considered witnesses and are undergoing further questioning to delve into each person’s role.

“The North Sumatra Police emphasised that they will continue to crack down on illegal mining activities to maintain security, public safety, and environmental preservation in North Sumatra,” he added.