Sigi Police Arrest Illegal Gold Mining Perpetrators In The Lindu Area

Sigi Resort Police (Polres) arrested a number of gold mining actors without a permit (PETI) in Kankuro Hamlet, Tomado Village, Lindu District.

"The operation to arrest and close illegal mines in Kankuro Hamlet, Tomado Village, was carried out with a joint team consisting of the TNI and Polri, Lore National Park Center, Sigi Regency Government and Sigi District Attorney," said Sigi Police Chief AKBP Kari Amsah Ritonga, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, April 28.

He stated that the operation involved the TNI and Polri, including the ranks of the police.

"So together we, not only the Police alone, in carrying out operations to close gold mining without a permit (PETI) and prevention so that in the future there will be no more illegal mining activities in the Lindu area," he said.

According to him, the total number of police deployed for the operation was 61 personnel.

"We have installed a police line and starting Sunday night (27/4) we have guarded Kankuro Hamlet," he said.

Based on observations in the field, the police brought evidence in the form of the perpetrator's motorbike and an illegal mining stone from the Kankuro Hamlet.

Meanwhile, the Liaison Officer (Pabung) of the Palu City Kodim 1306, Major Infatri Tarno, explained that his party always supports the security of illegal mining control in Sigi Regency.

"We from the Palu City Military District Commander 1306 through the Kulawi Koramil and Babinsa Lindu are ready to provide support for security duties in guarding the area," he said.

He hopes that all other relevant stakeholders can jointly protect the Lindu area from illegal gold mines.

"Hopefully, the collaboration of all relevant stakeholders can keep this Lindu area conducive and safe," he said.

Previously, local governments had gone directly to close PETI activities in Lindu District, even customary law was also applied to the perpetrators who were arrested.

These illegal mining actors were punished in a customary manner, but this did not provide a deterrent effect.

In the future, there needs to be a guard post that can monitor activities in Lindu District so that it can prevent illegal mining activities in the area.

It is known that the illegal gold mine location is included in the Lore Lindu National Park (TNLL) conservation area and the Lindu Indigenous Community Traditional Forest Area.