Police Destroy Five Illegal Gold Mining Rafts on the Kuantan River Following Women's Complaints

Cerenti Police Station personnel destroyed five illegal gold mining rafts in the Kuantan River, Pulau Jambu Village, Cerenti Subdistrict, Kuantan Singingi Regency (Kuansing). The operation was conducted in response to complaints from local women regarding illegal mining activities.

The operation was led directly by Cerenti Police Chief Iptu Peri Padli on Sunday, 31 May 2026. It followed up on the concerns of residents from Sikakak Village, predominantly women, who had previously visited the Cerenti Police Station to report ongoing illegal gold mining activities in Pulau Jambu Village.

Following the report, Cerenti Police Station personnel departed for the site at around 16:00 WIB using two four-wheel vehicles and three motorcycles. Upon arrival at approximately 16:30 WIB, officers discovered five dompeng-type illegal gold mining rafts operating in the Kuantan River.

Kuantan Singingi Regency Police Chief AKBP Hidayat Perdana stated that the operation was a swift response to community reports and demonstrated the police’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining activities.

“Cerenti Police Station is acting on community concerns regarding ongoing PETI activities in Pulau Jambu Village. We will continue to enforce regulations and take legal action against illegal mining operations that damage the environment and violate applicable laws,” said AKBP Hidayat in a statement to journalists on Sunday, 31 May 2026.

However, no suspects were present at the scene when officers arrived. The five rafts were subsequently destroyed by burning as a deterrent.

“The five PETI dompeng rafts found at the site were destroyed by damaging and burning them. This measure was taken to prevent the equipment from being reused in illegal mining activities,” he added.

The regency police chief also urged residents to avoid participating in PETI activities and to immediately report any illegal mining operations in their area to the police.