Police Raid Illegal Gold Mining In South Solok, Perpetrators Escape

South Solok Police raided the location of an illegal gold mine located in the Momo River, Jorong Tanjung Durian, Nagari Padang Limau Sundai, Sangir Jujuan District, West Sumatra.

South Solok Police Chief, AKBP M. Faisal Perdana said the raid was carried out by the Sangir Jujuan Police Task Force team on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

During the operation, the police secured a dompeng unit and destroyed a number of mining equipment such as Asbuk by burning it on site.

"The Task Force team has secured evidence in the form of dompeng and destroyed the Asbuk used in illegal mining activities. Unfortunately, no perpetrators were found at the location," said Faisal in Padang Aro, Antara, Friday, August 8, 2025.

However, his party will continue to investigate to reveal who is responsible for the mining activities without the permit.

As a form of warning, officers also put up police lines and banners that read 'Illegal Mining Stop' in the area.

The South Solok Police also intensified patrols in the Sangir sub-district to prevent the re-emergence of similar activities.

Education to the public continues, especially regarding the dangers of using chemicals such as mercury and cyanide in the mining process which can damage the environment and endanger health.

"This is part of our efforts to preserve the environment and take firm action against illegal mining actors who destroy nature and threaten the safety of future generations," said Faisal.

He appealed to the public not to carry out illegal mining and actively report if they found illegal activities in their area.

“Kami harap masyarakat bisa berperan aktif dalam menjaga lingkungan dan membantu menertibkan aktivitas pertambangan ilegal,” kata dia.

"We hope that the community can play an active role in protecting the environment and helping to curb illegal mining activities," he said.