JAKARTA - The Pohuwato Regency Government together with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) agreed to regulate unlicensed mining activities (PETI) which were considered to be a trigger for repeated flash floods and environmental damage in the Pohuwato area.
The agreement was taken in the Forkopimda meeting on Friday, January 2, 2026 at the Tribrata Room of the Pohuwato Police, following the flood accompanied by mud that again submerged a number of villages.
Forkopimda emphasized that the flood in Pohuwato was not a new incident. Based on official data and publications from the government, this area has experienced several floods in previous years.
One of the major floods in Pohuwato was recorded in the 2021 report of the Health Crisis Center of the Indonesian Ministry of Health and continued until the end of 2025, one of which was in Kapali Village, Hulawa Village, Buntulia District, which was rife with PETI activities.
The Head of the Pohuwato Police, AKBP H. Busroni, explained that PETI activities in Pohuwato have become more massive since 2022 to 2025, especially with the use of heavy equipment in a number of sub-districts, ranging from Dengilo to West Popayato.
"The use of heavy equipment in PETI causes changes in river flow, sedimentation, and forest damage in the upstream. This condition increases the risk of flash floods, landslides, water pollution, and impacts on public health and safety," said Busroni.
Forkopimda also noted that in Pohuwato illegal mining activities without permits have long been taking place without having AMDAL documents. These activities open up forest areas uncontrollably, including in areas with protection and conservation functions, and accelerate river sedimentation.
The Regent of Pohuwato Saipul A. Mbuinga expressed full support for the PETI crackdown as a step to protect the community and the environment. He emphasized that the local government had carried out crackdowns in several flood-prone locations and had asked for central government support for comprehensive PETI handling.
The Chairman of the Pohuwato DPRD, H. Beni Nento, conveyed that the DPRD fully supports the steps of the Forkopimda and has formed a Special Committee to trace the activities of PETI which are considered increasingly massive.
Meanwhile, Dandim 1313 Pohuwato Letkol Arm. Fiat Suwandana and Kajari Pohuwato Arif Ronaldi emphasized the support of the TNI and the Prosecutor's Office in the PETI crackdown, including law enforcement against the use of heavy equipment.
The Pohuwato Regency Government and Forkopimda hope that the PETI regulation can reduce the risk of recurring flash floods, restore environmental functions, and protect the community from future disasters.
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