Sumbawa Regent Ensures Halt to Lawang Tuwa Mine Operations
Sumbawa — The Regent of Sumbawa, H. Syarafuddin Jarot, has ensured that unauthorised mining activities in the Lawang Tuwa area, Lantung District, have been halted following an accident that killed three people and injured six others.
“I visited the location personally to ensure that the prohibition we issued is being strictly enforced,” he stated during an inspection of the Lawang Tuwa mining area on Wednesday.
The Regent noted that the issue of illegal mining pertains not only to administration and licensing but also involves public safety and potential environmental impacts.
According to him, the local government does not intend to destroy the livelihoods of the community. However, all mining activities must be conducted in accordance with legal provisions, possess valid permits, meet safety standards, and consider environmental sustainability.
“People are free to seek a livelihood, but not in a way that endangers themselves or others. Mining must be legal, safe, and responsible,” he said.
To ensure the cessation remains sustainable, the Regent has requested that district and village governments, alongside security forces and local residents, strengthen supervision in the area.
He warned that the cessation of mining activities should not be merely temporary, only to resume secretly once the situation is deemed safe.
“Our natural resources must be managed to benefit the community. However, management must be legal, safe, orderly, and responsible. We must not allow lives to be at stake simply for the sake of profit,” he added.
During the inspection, the Regent was accompanied by the Regional Secretary of Sumbawa Regency, the First Vice Chairman of the Sumbawa Regency DPRD, the Third Vice Chairman of the Sumbawa Regency DPRD, and the Head of the Protocol and Leadership Communication Division.
The mining accident in the Lawang Tuwa area occurred on Saturday (5/9) at approximately 21:30 WITA. Rock and soil landslides struck miners who were collecting materials at the base of a cliff.
The material is suspected to have collapsed after mining activities at the top of the cliff dislodged rocks, causing the debris to fall onto the miners below.
Of the nine victims, one died at the scene, while two others passed away while receiving medical treatment at the Lantung Health Centre. Six other victims sustained injuries.
Police are still investigating the cause of the accident by conducting a crime scene investigation and questioning several witnesses.
Police have also cordoned off the area with police tape to secure the site and support the investigation process. Several pieces of mining equipment and heavy machinery at the location have also been seized.
The Regent had previously ordered that all mining activities without a People’s Mining Permit (IPR) be stopped. The Sumbawa Regency Government has also coordinated with the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government regarding the handling of mining activities, as licensing authority rests at the provincial level.