West Papua Police Chief Promises To Control Illegal Gold Mines

West Papua Police Chief Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir when interviewed by media crews in Manokwari, Sunday. (ANTARA/Fransiskus Salu Weking)

MANOKWARI - West Papua Police Chief Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir promised to curb illegal or unlicensed gold mining activities because they have an impact on environmental damage. "We will map it first and then take action for all mining activities without permission," said Johnny Isir after the press conference at the end of 2023 in Manokwari, Sunday, December 31. The mapping intends to find out the ecological impact of illegal gold mining activities using heavy equipment such as excavators and miners with traditional equipment. After mapping, the police together with local government technical agencies, related ministries, Immigration and customary community institutions will take action to control the mining activities in question. "We are committed to controlling and of course efforts to control need collaboration with a number of related parties, the police cannot do it themselves," said Eddison. The Kapolda admits that the illegal gold mining activity has been going on for a long time, so the people who own customary rights need to be educated regarding the dangers of environmental damage. The police will also evaluate the involvement of the community, especially the owner of customary rights for granting permits for illegal gold mining activities located in a number of locations in Manokwari Regency and the Arfak Mountains. "We have to look at all aspects because after all it has had an economic impact. This is a matter of people's plates," Johnny explained. Chairman of the West Papua Indigenous Community Institution (LMA) Maurits Saiba urged local governments and the police to immediately take steps to control illegal gold mining activities through the issuance of local scale permits. Through regulations such as regional regulations (perda), gold mining activities are more controlled while preventing environmental damage due to acts of exploitation of excessive natural resources. "Hopefully with the new duties and positions, the Kapolda Inspector General Jhonny Isir as the native son of Papua will be more assertive in controlling illegal mining activities," said Maurits. He considered that the murder incident of two residents carried out by five illegal gold miners in Manokwari was a serious threat to the safety of the people who own customary rights. Therefore, the issuance of local-scale mining permits is able to prevent the entry of illegal miners to Manokwari, which so far has not contributed to the region.

"For LMA, they (illegal miners) are a threat to the security of local residents and threats to the environment in this area," said Maurits.