Silent Night Operation: Police Destroy Two Illegal Gold Mining Rafts in Kuansing

The Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Resort Police, through its precinct ranks, remain committed to taking action against unlicensed gold mining (PETI). Following a crackdown in Cerenti District, police have again targeted illegal gold mining activities in the village of Pantai, Kuantan Mudik District, Kuansing Regency. The silent operation was carried out on Thursday night (2/7) after police received a complaint from the owner of the PT KTBM land concession, whose area was being used for gold mining. Upon arrival at the location, officers led by Kuantan Mudik Police Chief AKP Anra Nosa discovered two floating rafts. ‘However, upon inspection, the rafts were no longer in operation and no perpetrators were found at the scene,’ AKP Anra Nosa stated on Friday (3/7/2026). As a deterrent, officers immediately destroyed the evidence by setting the two rafts on fire. This action was also taken to ensure the illegal miners could no longer use the rafts for their activities. During the operation, officers did not find any suspects, as they are believed to have fled before the police arrived. In addition to the enforcement action, police also urged the residents of Desa Pantai to cease all unlicensed gold mining activities, as they are not only against the law but also have the potential to damage the environment. Meanwhile, Kuansing Police Chief AKBP Hidayat Perdana asserted that the crackdown on PETI activities will continue consistently throughout the Kuansing Police jurisdiction as part of efforts to protect the environment, in line with the ‘Green Policing’ spirit championed by Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan. ‘We will not give any room for PETI activities. This enforcement is a form of the National Police’s commitment to upholding the law while preserving the environment. We also urge the public not to engage in illegal mining activities and to work together to keep the region safe and free from PETI practices,’ AKBP Hidayat stressed. The Police Chief called on the public to play an active role in supporting the eradication of PETI by not participating in unlicensed gold mining and by immediately reporting any similar activities in their area. ‘Let us together protect the environment and uphold the law. If the public is aware of any PETI activities or other criminal acts, please report them immediately via the Police Service Call Center at 110, which is accessible free of charge 24 hours a day, or to the nearest police station. We will follow up on every piece of information from the public quickly and professionally,’ he concluded.