West Sumatra Government Urges Forkopimda to Crack Down on Illegal Gold Mining
West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah has stressed the importance of a joint approach by all elements of the Forkopimda to curb the escalating illegal gold mining activities (PETI) in several areas of West Sumatra. He said illegal mining not only damages the environment but also threatens public safety and has claimed many lives. The remarks came as he led a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with West Sumatra’s Forkopimda at the Governor’s Palace on Tuesday (19 May). During the meeting, Mahyeldi urged law enforcement agencies and regional administrations to strengthen cooperation in quelling PETI on the ground. “Let us agree together to take firm action against things that are destructive, illegal, and unlawful. If we do not, the casualties will keep mounting,” he said.
He noted that the impacts of PETI are no longer a routine issue; forest destruction, river pollution, and increased risks of flash floods and mudslides are real threats that must be anticipated together. “Environmental damage will worsen. Floods, mudflows, and various misfortunes will be bigger in the future. The stakes are the safety of our people and the future of West Sumatra,” he added.
Nevertheless, Mahyeldi emphasised that the government remains mindful of communities who rely on artisanal mining for livelihoods. The provincial government is pushing to accelerate the designation of Wilayah Pertambangan Rakyat (WPR) and the issuance of Izin Pertambangan Rakyat (IPR) so that mining activity can operate within the rules and still safeguard the environment. “We do not want people to earn a living in a way that endangers themselves or damages the environment,” he said.
In the FGD, Helmi, Head of the West Sumatra ESDM Office, revealed that PETI activity in the province remains quite widespread. In the past fortnight alone there have been several incidents at illegal mining sites resulting in nine deaths. Since 2020 to 2026, there have been dozens of fatalities linked to unlicensed mining activity. According to ESDM data, six areas are hotspots: Solok Selatan, Solok Regency, Dharmasraya, Sijunjung, Pasaman, and Pasaman Barat, with signs of activity also emerging in Sawahlunto. He estimated around 200 to 300 illegal mining sites across West Sumatra, with satellite imagery showing widespread clearing and forest damage, including along river corridors. Geopark Silokek in Sijunjung is a particular focus as it is due to undergo a geopark assessment soon, though illegal mining continues using small river-sediment suction boats.
Mukhlis, Deputy Chief of the West Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office, urged all parties to be transparent about suspected individuals or entities backing illegal mining. “Identify who the financiers are, who the backers are, and where the communities come from. Only then can we take firm action,” he said.
The FGD produced a joint commitment to strengthen PETI enforcement while expediting the legalisation of artisanal mining through the WPR and IPR schemes.