Illegal Mining In Bolmong, North Sulawesi Using Mercury And Cyanide, Residents Ask Prabowo To Intervene

Illegal mining activities in the Mining Business Permit (IUP) area of the Pioneer KUD, Kotamobagu, Bolaang Mongondow (Bolmong) Regency, North Sulawesi

BOLMONG Illegal gold mining activities are again rife in the Mining Business Permit (IUP) area of the Perintis KUD, Kotamobagu, Bolaang Mongondow (Bolmong) Regency, North Sulawesi. More concerning, illegal miners are suspected of using hazardous chemicals in the form of mercury and cyanide to process gold.

The chairman of the Pioneer KUD, Jasman Tongi, revealed that this practice not only harms the holder of official permits, but also threatens the environment and public safety.

The use of mercury and cyanide is very dangerous. The waste can contaminate soil, river, and have a direct impact on public health. Not to mention the state's losses due to the loss of gold reserves that should be managed legally," said Jasman, Wednesday, August 27.

According to him, this illegal mining activity has been going on since 2022 and has increased again since mid-August 2025. The perpetrators even built a checkpoint that blocked the official access of the Perintis KUD to the concession area.

"If only the authorities have difficulty entering, especially as holders of official permits. This clearly shows that there are backings from certain individuals," he added.

IAW noted that the amalgamation method with mercury and leap leaching using cyanide used by illegal miners risks causing permanent damage to the ecosystem. Mercury can enter the food chain through fish and agricultural products, while cyanide can poison people's water sources.

The Perintis KUD estimates that state losses due to the theft of gold minerals since 2022 have so far reached around Rp. 300 billion. More than that, the potential for social conflict is also lurking due to the existence of an illegal group of miners who set up their own guard posts.

Jasman emphasized that his party had sent an official letter to President Prabowo Subianto asking for firm action.

"We ask the government to immediately intervene, enforce the law, and stop the use of mercury and cyanide that endangers future generations," he stressed.

He also requested that law enforcement officers who are indicated to be involved in protecting illegal mining activities be prosecuted according to the rules.

"We convey this request in line with President Prabowo's statement in a State Speech which confirms his commitment to eradicating illegal mining," Jasman concluded.