Riau Regional Police Uncover Illegal Gold Mining and Destroy Hundreds of Rafts During 2025-2026
The Riau Regional Police, through the Kuantan Singingi District Police office (Polres Kuansing), remain committed to combating illegal gold mining activities (PETI) in Riau. Between 2025 and March 2026, the Riau Regional Police and district police units have prosecuted hundreds of illegal gold mining operations and destroyed hundreds of mining rafts (dompeng).
According to data from the Criminal Investigation Directorate of Riau Regional Police, the unit and Polres Kuansing have uncovered 16 PETI cases throughout 2025. “Of these cases handled, most have been declared complete or moved to prosecution stage (P21), whilst one case remains under investigation,” stated Kombes Ade Kuncoro Wahyu, Head of the Criminal Investigation Division at Riau Regional Police, on Tuesday (17 March 2026).
The Riau Regional Police and Polres Kuansing have consistently conducted operations against equipment used in illegal mining activities, including mining rafts (dompeng). During 2025, officers destroyed 695 illegal mining rafts at various illegal mining sites.
Beyond law enforcement, Riau Regional Police have continuously implemented preventative measures through persuasive community engagement. Throughout 2025, the Kuantan Singingi District Police conducted 1,632 awareness and prohibition campaigns against illegal mining across various regions.
In 2026, through February, four additional PETI cases were uncovered at several locations, including Kedundung Village in Kuantan Tengah District, Petapahan Village in Kuantan Mudik District, the administrative area of Jake Village, and Sungai Jering District. During these operations, police seized various evidence items including Robin engines, hoses, gold panning equipment, gold filtering carpets, and other mining equipment.
In 2026 enforcement operations, officers also destroyed 146 additional illegal mining rafts discovered at illegal mining sites.
Kombes Zahwani Pandra Arsyad, Head of Public Relations at Riau Regional Police, emphasised that law enforcement against PETI activities will continue consistently by police units. “Enforcement against PETI activities represents the police’s commitment to protecting the environment and enforcing laws against illegal mining operations. Beyond enforcement, we continue preventative efforts through community awareness campaigns to discourage illegal mining activities,” stated Pandra.
He also called upon the public to actively report any illegal mining activities in their areas to enable prompt police intervention. “We hope for community support in protecting our environment and preventing illegal mining activities in the Riau region,” he concluded.