Police Act Illegal Mining In Bengkayang, West Kalimantan, 2 Workers Arrested

JAKARTA - The police followed up on President Prabowo Subianto's orders regarding controlling mining without a permit (PETI) by carrying out the Regional Police Operation "PETI Kapuas 2025" at a number of points in Bengkayang's jurisdiction, West Kalimantan.

Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the Bengkayang Police, AKP Anuar Syarifudin in Bengkayang, Tuesday, said the Law Enforcement Task Force (Satgas Gakkum) team found PETI activities on Jalan Sekayok, Sebalo Village, Bengkayang District, Monday, August 25 evening.

From that location, he said, the police secured two people, namely MI (37), a resident of Sebalo as a financier and owner of the machine, and ALG (55), a resident of Dharma Bakti Village, Shouting District, as a worker or a returner.

"Previously the team conducted investigations at several points, such as the back of the Bongja, Molusa, and Magmagan cemeteries, but only found traces of PETI activities without ongoing activities," said Anuar.

After the two perpetrators were secured and evidence was confiscated, he said, the police's presence at the location triggered a crowd of people. Around 50 people came and intimidated officers, blocked the road by burning wood, and damaged the Bengkayang Police Satreskrim official vehicle.

Bengkayang Police Chief AKBP Syahirul Awab together with Bengkayang Regent Sebastianus Darwis and Dandim 1209/Bengkayang finally went directly to the location to calm the masses and communicate.

From the results of the negotiations, he said, 12 Bengkayang Police personnel who had been detained were finally allowed to leave the mining area. However, the two people who had been secured were handed back to the residents or released.

"This step is taken to keep the situation conducive. Furthermore, we remain committed to law enforcement against PETI activities," Anuar said, confiscated by Antara.

He emphasized that PETI's action refers to Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Amendments to Law Number 4 of 2009 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining. The police will continue to intensify operations to prevent environmental damage and potential disasters due to illegal mining activities.

The Bengkayang Police also appealed to the public to stop PETI activities and switch to a more productive and sustainable sector. One of them is by supporting the food security program through corn planting which is currently being promoted by the local government.

"The impact of PETI is not only damaging the environment, but also detrimental to the community. We hope that residents support the government's steps in creating environmentally friendly and prosperous businesses," said Anuar.