Ecological Disaster Threat In Aceh Due To Illegal Gold Mining, According To Walhi

BANDA ACEH – The rise of illegal gold mines in Aceh is creating an ecological disaster threat in Indonesia's westernmost province. This was conveyed by the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) Aceh.

As stated by the Executive Director of Walhi Aceh M Nur in Banda Aceh, the practice of illegal gold mining is still a serious problem in Aceh Province.

"So far, the issue of illegal gold mining has not been completely resolved, both by legal approaches and by improving governance by the Aceh government. And this increases the threat to ecological disasters," said M Nur quoting Antara, Sunday, August 22.

M Nur explained that ecological disasters such as flash floods, damage to river ecosystems, cloudy water, physical damage to rivers, to pollution of hazardous substances caused by illegal gold mining activities.

Based on WALHI Aceh's records, there are six districts that are still quite active in illegal gold mining activities, namely Pidie, Central Aceh, Nagan Raya, South Aceh, Aceh Jaya, and West Aceh.

M Nur said, in West Aceh Regency, illegal gold mining is in the Mas River and East Woyla areas. The mining pattern is carried out using heavy equipment.

Based on public information, the location of the illegal gold mine is in the concession of a mining company that is not operating or is no longer active, said Nur said.

"The existence of illegal gold mining in West Aceh has become a serious threat to the ecology and people's lives. And this is a day of immediate anticipation to save the community and the environment," said M Nur.

Not only for the Aceh Government, said M Nur, this condition must also be an important note for the new Aceh Police Chief regarding aspects of law enforcement in the mining sector.

In addition, it is also necessary to hold the concession holder companies accountable, where in the permit area there is illegal mining that does not provide income for the region.

"Walhi continues to urge the government to immediately address the issue of illegal gold mining. The goal is to prevent ecological disasters that only harm the community," said M Nur.