Sulteng Governor Meets Minister of LH to Discuss Illegal Mines

Central Sulawesi (Sulteng) Governor Anwar Hafid met with Minister of Environment (LH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Office in Jakarta, Tuesday, January 13, 2025. (ANTARA/HO-Sulteng Provincial Government Public Relations)

JAKARTA - Central Sulawesi (Sulteng) Governor Anwar Hafid met with Minister of Environment (LH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, to discuss the prevalence of illegal mines in Sulteng.

During the meeting, the governor explained various problematic mining issues that are still occurring, especially illegal mines that operate without adequate procedures and supervision.

He highlighted the condition of the mine in the Poboya area, Palu City, as well as the C rock or quarry mine in the area between Palu City to Donggala Regency.

"In the city of Palu, there is one in Poboya, there are many illegal mines and it is dangerous because the processing is outside the procedure until it takes human lives. Between Palu and Donggala, there are also many C mines, some of which we have also revoked," he said as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 13.

Anwar said mining practices that were not in accordance with regulations had caused serious impacts, ranging from environmental damage, pollution, to threats to the safety of the surrounding community. Therefore, it is important for the West Sumatra Provincial Government to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, to strengthen supervision and law enforcement.

The Governor asked the Minister of Environment to strengthen his steps in cracking down on mining practices that violate regulations. Meanwhile, Minister Hanif Faisol admitted that he was moved to crack down on environmentally destructive mines, after seeing a video of flash floods caused by mines in the Morowali Utara area.

"After the flood case made us revise the nickel mining activities in Morowali. We have formed a team that is evaluating and mapping all work areas," he said.