For The Sake Of Gold Pills, The River Was Damaged: Police Arrest 2 Illegal Miners In Parigi Moutong

The Parimo Police held a press conference on the illegal gold mining case in Parigi Moutong, Wednesday (24/9/2025). ANTARA/HO-Polres Parigi Moutong

PALU - Parigi Moutong Police have arrested two suspected perpetrators of illegal gold mining on the outskirts of the Hamlet I River, Karya Mandiri Village, Ongka Malino District, Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi.

"The two perpetrators with the initials NF (56) and HA (31) were arrested while carrying out mining activities using complete equipment, including renting an excavator unit," said Parigi Moutong Police Chief AKBP Hendrawan A.N. in Palu, Antara, Wednesday, September 24.

During the operation, the police confiscated an orange Hitachi Zaxis 110 excavator unit, a plastic pack containing gold grains weighing about seven grams, a Honda 160X brand battery, a blue spiral hose, and two gold filter carpet sheets. All evidence is now being secured for further investigation.

The police chief explained that the modus operandi of the perpetrators was quite structured. They prepare mining equipment and rent heavy equipment to peel the soil layer around the river.

Materials are then channeled through wooden tackles and sprayed with high pressure water through the gold filter carpet. After that, washing or reforestation was carried out repeatedly to separate gold grains from soil materials.

According to Hendrawan, this illegal mining activity not only harms the state, but also causes environmental damage because the use of heavy equipment around the river can contaminate clean water sources, damage the ecosystem, and increase the risk of flash floods and landslides.

"Law enforcement against illegal mining actors is a form of our commitment to protecting the environment and society. There is no tolerance for actors who seek profit by destroying nature," he said.

For their actions, the two perpetrators were charged with Article 158 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to Rp. 100 billion.

The police chief also appealed to the public not to be tempted by the temporary benefits of illegal gold mining. He emphasized that his party will continue to take action against illegal mining practices and hopes that the active role of the community can narrow the space for the perpetrators so that the area remains safe and sustainable.

“Kami mengajak seluruh lapisan masyarakat bersama-sama menjaga lingkungan. Jika mengetahui adanya aktivitas tambang ilegal, segera laporkan kepada aparat kepolisian terdekat,” kata Hendrawan.

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"We invite all levels of society to jointly protect the environment. If you know of illegal mining activities, immediately report them to the nearest police force," said Hendrawan.