Polri-TNI Closes Illegal Gold Mine in Geumpang Aceh, Miners Flee Leaving Tools

Officers burn gold filtering equipment for illegal mines in Pidie, Aceh, Thursday (24/4/2026). ANTARA/HO-Pidie Police

PIDIE - The police together with the TNI from Kodim 0102 Pidie disciplined a number of illegal gold mines in the Geumpang area, Pidie Regency, Aceh Province.

Head of the Pidie Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Iptu Mirzan, said the crackdown was carried out after the police first socialized the prohibition of illegal gold mining to the community.

"The crackdown on illegal gold mines was carried out at several points in Geumpang District, Pidie Regency, on Thursday, April 24. Several gold mines left by miners were closed," said Mirzan when contacted from Banda Aceh, Antara, Sunday, April 26.

He explained that the location of the previously disciplined mine had been mapped by the Special Criminal Investigation Unit (Tipiter) of the Pidie Police with the Geumpang Police.

One of the locations that was closed was in the Alue Inti area, Gampong Pulo Lhoih. At the location, the joint team of the National Police and TNI installed a sign prohibiting entry and prohibiting mining activities.

According to Mirzan, when the team arrived at the location, the mine area was empty because it was abandoned by the miners. However, officers still found a number of abandoned equipment.

"The location of the illegal gold mine has been abandoned by the miners. When we arrived at the location, the team only found a number of mining tools left by the miners," he said.

The equipment found included two wooden gold filtering tools (asbuk) and two camps or tents used by miners. To prevent the activity from returning, all the equipment that was left behind was then destroyed by being burned.

"All the abandoned mining goods were burned to prevent the practice of mining again at the location," said Mirzan.

In addition to enforcement, the joint team also carried out socialization to the public regarding the dangers and legal consequences of illegal gold mining practices.

Officers put up a prohibition banner at a number of points as a form of prevention and an effort to increase public awareness.

"The socialization is a preventive step and increases public awareness of the legal and environmental impacts of illegal gold mining practices. We prioritize socialization and education about the dangers of illegal mines to the public," said Mirzan.