West Kalimantan Police Chief: Illegal Gold Mining Involves Foreigners In State Loss Of IDR 1 Trillion

The police secured the activities of PETIs in the Kapuas river (ANTARA/Arsip Antara)

West Kalimantan Police Chief, Inspector General Pol Pipit Rismanto said illegal gold mining activities involving foreign nationals (WNA) in his area resulted in state losses of up to a fantastic figure, which was IDR 1.020 trillion.

"According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), state losses due to this activity reached a fantastic figure, namely Rp1,020 trillion, which came from the loss of 774.27 kg of gold reserves and 937.7 kg of silver. The loss came from the loss of 774.27 kg of gold reserves and 937.7 kg of silver," said Pipit in Pontianak as reported by ANTARA, Friday, October 4.

Pipit gave an example, the arrests made by his party against a Chinese citizen with the initials YH were proven to have carried out gold mining without a permit in Ketapang Regency, which caused heavy losses to the state.

After going through several trials, YH was finally sentenced to 5 years in prison and a fine of Rp. 50 billion with an additional 6 months in prison if he did not pay the fine. This demand was read out at a trial at the Ketapang District Court, West Kalimantan, recently.

In addition to the economic impact, illegal gold mining also poses a serious threat to the environment, especially due to the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury. Major rivers in West Kalimantan, including the Kapuas River, are at risk of being polluted, which could have a negative impact on people who depend on the river's water for their daily needs.

The Regional Police Chief emphasized that his party would take firm steps in dealing with illegal mining activities that are still rampant in their area.

"We remind all parties involved in mining to understand the huge environmental impact, especially from the use of hazardous chemicals. It's a pity for the people who will be affected if the river is polluted," he said.

This case involving YH is one of the many cases of illegal gold mining in West Kalimantan which has resulted in major losses to the state and has an impact on the environment.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and law enforcement officials are working together in dealing with this problem, amid efforts to increase awareness and compliance with applicable mining regulations.