Police Destroy 12 Illegal Gold Mining Rafts in Riau's Kuansing

The Cerenti Sector Police (Polsek) in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, have taken decisive action against illegal gold mining (PETI) activities. A joint team, supported by the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) and local government officials, destroyed 12 illegal gold mining rafts belonging to local residents by burning them on Thursday (2/7).

The Chief of Cerenti Police, Inspector Peri Padli, explained that this repressive measure aims to create a deterrent effect for perpetrators. In addition to violating the law, illegal mining activities are assessed to have caused massive environmental damage in the region.

“We are following up on every community report regarding PETI activities. Illegal mining not only impacts environmental damage and river pollution but also threatens public safety. We will continue to carry out enforcement on an ongoing basis,” said Peri Padli in his statement in Pekanbaru, Friday (3/7).

The clearing operation was conducted by sweeping areas suspected of being hubs for illegal mining in the Cerenti District. The joint personnel had to traverse land routes and challenging terrain along the riverbanks using two cars and three motorcycles to reach the coordinates reported by residents.

The team’s first target was the Kuantan River area in Koto Cerenti Village. At this location, officers discovered two ‘dompeng’ rafts actively suctioning riverbed materials. Officers immediately disabled the equipment by damaging its main components and burning them to ashes.

The sweep continued downstream to Kampung Baru Village. At the second location, officers discovered more massive and organised activity, finding 10 illegal mining rafts moored along the river flow.

Despite successfully destroying dozens of rafts, officers failed to apprehend any workers or financiers at the scene. The perpetrators are suspected of having detected the movement of the authorities and fled into the forest before the joint team arrived at the riverbanks.

“This pattern of fleeing is a classic tactic used by illegal miners when facing large-scale clearing operations,” concluded Peri.

Enforcement against illegal mining in the Kuantan Singingi area continues to be intensified following an increase in reports of river water pollution, which serves as a vital life source for local residents.