Sijunjung's 77th Anniversary: Andre Rosiade Champions Legalisation of Artisanal Mining and Miner SMEs
Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Commission VI Andre Rosiade attended a special plenary session marking the 77th anniversary of Sijunjung Regency. Andre affirmed his commitment to championing the legalisation of artisanal mining as a demonstration of support for ordinary citizens.
The plenary session was held at the Sijunjung Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) offices on Wednesday (18 February 2026). The event was attended by Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah, Sijunjung Regent Benny Dwifa Yuswir, Sijunjung DPRD Chairman Rengga Wana Putra, regional leadership coordination forum members, and community figures.
In his address, Andre affirmed his commitment to championing the legalisation of artisanal mining. This aligns with the central government’s policy on regulating artisanal mining so that miners currently operating illegally can obtain official permits and work within the law.
“Why does the President want artisanal mining legalised? Because ordinary people have the right to benefit from Indonesia’s natural resource wealth. We want communities to move from illegal to legal status, so their rights are protected, the environment is preserved, and regions receive income,” said Andre, a native son of Sijunjung.
Andre revealed that the central government, together with the House of Representatives and the West Sumatra Provincial Government, has been driving the establishment of approximately 121 people’s mining areas (WPR), with a target of increasing this to 300 WPR. Of that number, 35 WPR are located in Sijunjung Regency.
According to Andre, the West Sumatra Provincial Government still needs to prepare two documents: the designation of WPR areas and communal mining permits. After that, the central government will delegate authority to the governor to issue artisanal mining permits.
Andre also called on law enforcement to crack down on unlicensed gold mining activities (PETI) in the interim, to ensure the legalisation process proceeds smoothly. He said he had already communicated with police officials regarding these regulatory measures.
Beyond legalisation, Andre is pushing for the formation of cooperatives or miner SMEs as vehicles for communities to obtain official permits. He said the legalisation of artisanal mining would deliver significant benefits for the regional economy.
“With legal artisanal mining, workplace safety is guaranteed, the environment is protected, and locally generated revenue can increase. This is the solution for ensuring people can continue working but within the rules,” said Andre, who also serves as Chairman of the Gerindra Party’s West Sumatra regional board.
Andre also raised the People’s School programme as an effort to improve educational access for children from disadvantaged families in remote areas. He asked the Sijunjung Regency Government to prepare eight to twelve hectares of land for the construction of boarding schools covering primary through to senior secondary levels.
“The People’s School will ensure children from impoverished families can still attend school free of charge and do not drop out,” he said.
Furthermore, marking Sijunjung’s 77th anniversary under the theme “Collaborating to Build, Realising the Ideal Sijunjung”, Andre congratulated the people of Sijunjung and expressed hope that the regency would continue to advance.
“I congratulate Sijunjung Regency on its 77th anniversary. God willing, with cohesive leadership between the regent, deputy regent, DPRD, and all elements of society, Sijunjung will become ever more progressive and prosperous,” he said.
Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi also extended anniversary congratulations to Sijunjung Regency in her remarks. She expressed hope that the occasion would further strengthen development, including women’s empowerment and child protection, as well as the promotion of regional potential such as the Ranah Minang Silokek Geopark.
West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah observed that Sijunjung possesses a strong identity through its traditional villages and outstanding tourism potential. He expressed hope that at age 77, Sijunjung would become ever more advanced and its people more prosperous through collaboration between central, provincial, and regency governments.
Sijunjung DPRD Chairman Rengga Wana Putra said the anniversary commemoration was not merely ceremonial but a moment for historical reflection and development evaluation. The Golkar Party member stressed the importance of a spirit of mutual cooperation among all elements of society to realise a more advanced Sijunjung, in keeping with this year’s commemorative theme.
Sijunjung Regent Benny Dwifa Yuswir expressed appreciation for the support of the central government and the House of Representatives for development in his region. He expressed hope that this synergy would accelerate improvements in community welfare, including through the regulation of legal and sustainable artisanal mining.