Inderagiri Hulu Riau Police Destroys 10 Gold Mining Builds Without Permit

PeKANBARU - Indragiri Hulu Resort Police (Inhu) Riau Province together with a joint team destroyed 10 units of rafts or pocays used for gold mining without a permit (PETI) at a number of points of the Inderagiri River.

Head of Inhu Police, AKBP Fahrian, said that his party deployed two teams in the field, each in Batang Periap, Periap, Pasir Turtle, and Sei Lalak sub-districts. From that location, 10 pocay rafts were found which were immediately destroyed by destroying the engine and burning the raft on the spot, Friday (22/8).

"In addition to carrying out the destruction, we also advise local residents not to get involved in the PETI. The community welcomes this step, because they are aware that the river is a source of life that must be maintained," he said in a statement received in Pekanbaru, Saturday.

Fahrian added that this control operation will continue to be carried out continuously. Inhu hopes to imitate the success of Kuantan Singingi, whose river is now sustainable again.

Head of Public Relations of the Riau Regional Police, Kombes Anom Caribbeanto, explained that this activity was a follow-up to the direct order of the Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Hery Heryyawan who consistently took firm action against PETI activities because it was proven to damage the environment.

"This step in Inhu also answers the encouragement of people who are already restless with illegal mining activities. They want the river to be clear, healthy, and valuable again. The same is true with operations in Kuansing, which are now starting to have a real positive impact on society," he said.

According to Anom, in Kuansing after PETI's operation, residents have started to return to their activities in the river as before. There are even testimonials from the community who say they will reshuffle fish in the river because the water is clear and the fish are starting to look again.

"This is proof that law enforcement against PETI (illegal) is not just a matter of law, but also about the preservation of people's lives," he explained