Riau Provincial Police Destroy 1,167 Illegal Gold Mining Rafts in Kuansing During 2026

Teluk Kuantan, Riau (ANTARA) - The Riau Regional Police have destroyed 1,167 illegal gold mining (PETI) rafts at 210 illegal mining sites in Kuantan Singingi Regency during January to April 2026.

Deputy Chief of Riau Regional Police Brigadier General Hengki Haryadi, while leading a press conference at the Kuansing Resort Police in Teluk Kuantan on Thursday, emphasised that besides being a legal violation, PETI activities pose a serious threat to the environment, particularly in the flow of the Kuantan River.

“This crackdown not only targets the perpetrators but also the facilities used in PETI activities, thereby breaking the chain of these illegal operations,” he said.

The Deputy Chief stated that PETI activities have caused extensive environmental damage, from water pollution to river ecosystem degradation. He added that resolving the PETI issue cannot be shouldered solely by the police but must involve all stakeholders in an integrated manner.

According to Brigadier General Hengki, the role of customary institutions is also deemed strategic. The Dubalang, as guardians of customary law, hold an important position in preserving local wisdom values.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Kuantan Singingi, Suhardiman Amby, expressed his support for the firm steps taken by the Riau Provincial Police. He assessed that handling PETI must be comprehensive, not just through legal enforcement.

“We fully support this step. Handling PETI must be accompanied by comprehensive solutions, including social approaches and community empowerment,” he said.