Director Walhi Gives Information To The West Kalimantan Police Allegedly Playing Persons In Illegal Gold Mines

Director of the Forum for the Environment (Walhi) of West Kalimantan, who is also an environmental activist / DOK ANTARA

PONTIANAK - Director of the Forum for the Environment (Walhi) of West Kalimantan, Hendrikus Adam, fulfilled the summons of the West Kalimantan Police to provide information regarding the alleged involvement of law enforcement officers (APH) in illegal gold mining in the Landak River, Landak Regency.

"I fulfilled the summons from the Propam Division of the West Kalimantan Police in order to investigate the alleged involvement of individuals suspected of having played a role in the operation of gold mining which has been rife since October 2024 in the Landak River," said Adam in Pontianak, Tuesday, December 10.

Information on the involvement of APH personnel was obtained from cukong confidants or investors who manage gold mining activities.

"In a meeting with mining investors, I was given an offer of money and asked to remain silent regarding the plan for mining activities in the Landak River. I feel I have to report this so that this problem can be revealed transparently," he said.

In early November 2024, Adam sent an open letter addressed to the National Police Chief, West Kalimantan Police Chief, and Landak Police Chief regarding illegal gold mining in the Binua Nahaya area.

"According to the information I received, the miners believed that the police would not act if there were no reports or public attention. I doubt this, because I believe law enforcement officials have a clear mechanism in dealing with problems like this," he said.

In the open letter, he also urged fair law enforcement, not only to crack down on illegal mining practices, but also to maintain the image of law enforcement institutions in the eyes of the public.

"I believe that the police have systems and mechanisms that cannot be intervened by anyone. I hope the authorities can ensure that mining activities that damage the environment can be stopped and that no party is protected in this matter," he said.

Based on the monitoring of Walhi activists, until now illegal gold mining activities in the Landak River, Binua Nahaya area, are still ongoing. According to him, this condition seems to justify that law enforcement officers have not taken firm action against illegal miners who are damaging the environment in the area.

On July 22, 2023, he also sent a letter regarding the same issue, where there had been action from the police. However, with time, this illegal mining activity reappeared.