Illegal Gold Mining Sentil In Mount Arfak, Bahlil Asks Regents To Carry Out Control

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia (photo: dock. Antara)

MINAHASA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that there were illegal gold mining activities in the Arfak Mountains Regency, West Papua.

"I once walked into this area (Guing Arfak) through the hills, below it the river and I know there is a river, next to it is a gold miner who I also don't know has a permit or has no permission," Bahlil said via a teleconference connection when inaugurating the Hydro Micro Power Plant (PLTMH) in Minahasa, quoted Thursday, October 30.

Bahlil then asked the Regent of Arafak Regency, Dominggus Saiba, regarding the truth of the existence of this gold mine

"In the regent's area, there is an illegal mine, right?" asked Bahlil.

Dominggus, who is located at the PLTMH location of Anggi District, Arfak Regency, confirmed that there were illegal gold mining activities in the area. According to him, illegal mining does not bring benefits to the economy. On the other hand, this illegal activity does not even contribute to Regional Original Revenue (PAD).

"We have been for 13 years, the local government hopes for transfer funds while we don't have PAD yet," he said.

For this reason, Dominggus took the initiative to meet Bahlil in the near future to discuss the legality of the mine in order to provide input for the region so that it has an impact on the people of Gunung Arfak Regency.

The meeting with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources is planned to discuss the ease of mining licensing so that it will bring in investors to manage the gold mine officially.

"Therefore, I have permission to the Minister, in 2 weeks I will meet with the Minister in Jakarta. I ask that if possible, allow us to bring in investors to open gold mines at Pegaf (Arfak mountains) to boost our PAD," continued Dominggus.

Bahlil then promised to wait for Dominggus' presence in Jakarta to discuss the fate of the gold mine. He also confirmed Dominggus' intention and firmness to eradicate illegal mining while waiting for approval from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

"You dare not to eradicate the illegal mine, dare not to close it illegally?" asked Bahlil.

Dengan sigap Dominggus berjanji akan memberantas tambang emas ilegal. Bahkan ia mengaku telah berkomunikasi dengan Ketua Komisi XII DPR RI dan Gubernur Papua Barat terkait pertemuannya dengan Bahlil yang akan terjadi dalam waktu dekat.

"I'm ready, Mr. Minister!" said Dominggus.