PKH Task Force and Pattimura Regional Command eradicate illegal gold mining practices in Buru
Ambon (ANTARA) - The Forest Area Regulation Task Force (Satgas PKH) together with the XV/Pattimura Regional Military Command is eradicating various illegal practices in the gold mining area of Gunung Botak, Buru Island, Maluku, through an integrated operation starting today until 14 May 2026.
The XV/Pattimura Regional Military Commander, Major General TNI Doddy Tri Winarto, in Ambon on Tuesday, stated that the operation not only regulates gold mining activities without permits (PETI), but also targets various accompanying illegal activities, such as the circulation of alcoholic beverages and prostitution practices.
“We are not only carrying out land clearance, but also total cleaning of all forms of social ills that accompany these illegal mining activities,” he said.
He explained that prior to the operation’s implementation, the TNI Deputy Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General TNI Richard Taruli Horja Tampubolon, along with the PKH Task Force, had conducted an aerial inspection of the Gunung Botak area to map the conditions on the ground.
Subsequently, an integrated team consisting of combat units, combat support, and territorial units from Buru Island and Ambon Island was deployed to carry out the regulation, including clearing the mining area, combing through base camps, and locations for illegal gold refining.
In the operation, officers also secured 16 foreign nationals from China suspected of being involved in illegal mining activities. All of these foreign nationals have been handed over to Immigration for further processing.
According to him, the findings of the presence of foreign nationals as well as prostitution practices and the circulation of alcoholic beverages indicate that illegal mining activities have serious impacts on the stability of security and social conditions in the community.
“This is not just an economic issue, but also concerns the stability of security and the integrity of the state if left unchecked,” he stated.
He emphasised that this regulation is part of the TNI’s commitment to maintaining state sovereignty while protecting natural resources from illegal exploitation that damages the environment.
The XV/Pattimura Regional Military Command, he continued, will continue to synergise with the Maluku Provincial Government to reorganise the Gunung Botak area so that natural resource management can be carried out legally and sustainably.
“The TNI is present to escort local government policies, so that natural resource management can provide real contributions to regional original income and the welfare of the community in a lawful manner,” he said.