Riau Police Destroy 525 Rafts in 14-Day Illegal Gold Mining Operation

The Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) continue to demonstrate their commitment to curbing unlicensed gold mining (PETI) in Kuantan Singingi Regency (Kuansing). During 14 days of Operation PETI Kuantan Merah Putih Presisi, Polda Riau and the Kuansing Police took action against dozens of illegal mining sites and destroyed hundreds of PETI rafts.

The operation, led by the Director of Water and Air Police of Polda Riau, Senior Commissioner Apri Fajar Hermanto, was carried out from 1 to 14 August 2026. During the operation, the team took action at 56 locations and subsequently installed prohibition signs.

The implementation of Operation PETI Kuantan Merah Putih Presisi 2026 refers to Operation Plan Number R/Renops/9/VII/OPS.1.3/2026 dated 27 July 2026 concerning law enforcement against unlicensed gold mining in Kuantan Singingi Regency. The activity was also carried out as an implementation of the directive of the Riau Police Chief, Inspector General Herry Heryawan, in line with the Green Policing programme.

During the operation, officers took action against PETI activities by destroying 525 rafts and installing prohibition signs at a number of locations used for illegal mining.

This enforcement is part of the efforts of Polda Riau and the Kuantan Singingi Police to suppress PETI activity, preserve the environment and create a conducive security and public order situation in Kuantan Singingi Regency.

Senior Commissioner Apri Fajar Hermanto said the action was taken as a measure to prevent illegal mining activities that have the potential to damage the environment and disrupt people’s lives.

“We carried out this enforcement in accordance with applicable legal provisions. We also urge the public not to engage in unlicensed mining activities because the impact is not only on the environment, but can also harm the community in the long term,” said Senior Commissioner Apri Fajar Hermanto in his statement on Monday (17/8/2026).

According to him, eradicating PETI requires cooperation from all parties. The police will continue to monitor and take action against illegal mining activities found in Kuantan Singingi Regency.

“We expect public support. If you are aware of any PETI activity, please inform the police immediately so that it can be followed up,” he concluded.