NTB ESDM Service Closes Illegal Gold Mine Near Mandalika Circuit

MATARAM - The Department of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of West Nusa Tenggara closed an illegal gold mine in Bukit Djang, Kuta II Hamlet, Kuta Village, Pujut District, Central Lombok Regency.

Head of the NTB ESDM Service, Samsudin, said the illegal mining site near Kuta Mandalika beach was outside the mining area of the people. Therefore, his party has closed it with the NTB BKSDA.

"It's closed. It's an illegal mine. It can't be mined, because it's a conservation area," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, December 9.

He admitted that due to the existence of the illegal mine, one mining person named Helmadi (39), a resident of Jurang Are Hamlet, Bonder Village, West Praya District, Central Lombok reportedly died from being buried in rocks at a mine site.

"The information is buried in the mine site. The area is under the supervision of the Natural Resources Conservation Center," explained Samsudin.

According to him, the mining distance with Seger beach, near the Mandalika Circuit is only about 1.5 kilometers. Even though it is close, mining locations cannot still be carried out because they are not included in the WPR area set by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. "The distance is not too far from the Mandalika Circuit. Now that it is closed, we will coordinate with law enforcement officials together with the Central Lombok Regional Government to supervise," said Samsudin.

In addition, said Samsudin, mining activities have been handled by the police in Central Lombok. There is some evidence that has been secured for investigation.

"That will later be conveyed to the Ministry of Law Enforcement team. In addition, we will continue to patrol so that there will be no more mining activities," he said.

Previously, a video circulated showing dozens of residents fighting for illegal gold in Bukit Djang, Kuta II Hamlet, Kuta Village, Pujut District, Central Lombok on several social media platforms.

In the video, residents can be seen crowding a small hole like a treasure hunter who pursues his turn to dig.

Central Lombok Police Chief, AKBP Eko Yusmiarto confirmed the incident. He said the police had gone down to the location and gave an appeal, especially after the death toll from the activity.

"We certainly have (we urge)," he said.