Tebo Police Destroy Seven Illegal Gold Mining Rafts on the Batanghari River

Led by Tebo Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Triyanto, a joint task force for the control of illegal gold mining (PETI) destroyed seven pontoon rafts equipped with suction engines during a patrol on Tuesday afternoon (21/7). The rafts were found moored on the banks of the Batanghari River within the Sumay District, Tebo Regency, Jambi Province.

Tebo Police Chief Triyanto confirmed the action to Media Indonesia on Tuesday evening. He stated that the firm measures taken by the Tebo Police together with the integrated team represent a shared commitment to eradicating illegal gold mining activities in Tebo Regency, including in the Batanghari river basin.

He explained that Tuesday’s patrol and enforcement operation targeted the river flow around Teluk Langkap Village and Punti Kalo Village in the Sumay District. The joint team was divided into two groups to monitor illegal mining activities via land routes and along the river using rubber boats and wooden canoes.

The operation, spearheaded by the Tebo Police, involved elements of the Indonesian Armed Forces from the Central Tebo Military District Command, the Assistant II of the Tebo Regency Government, along with several civil service police unit personnel.

During the river patrol, the joint team did not find any active suction-pontoon rafts. The Batanghari River route near the border of Teluk Langkap Village and Punti Kalo Village was also clear of any such rafts. The team only found seven suction-pontoon rafts moored without activity along the riverbanks. As a mitigation measure, the seven parked rafts were destroyed by the team by burning them.

“There was some resistance from several residents, but through a persuasive and humane approach, we were able to defuse the opposition. Overall, today’s operation proceeded safely and conducively,” added Tebo Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head Inspector Rimhot Nainggolan.