Triggering Conflict Between Citizens, Illegal Gold Mine In Sekotong, West Lombok, Sealed By The Police

West Lombok Police, together with community leaders, closed the gold mine site (Photo: ANTARA)

NTB - The police closed a gold mine site without a permit in Buwun Mas Village, Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The existence of the mine is suspected to trigger conflicts between residents.

The Sekotong Police Chief Iptu I Kadek Sumerta said that strict action was taken by the police with considerations for public safety, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This action must be taken so that the security situation and public order in Sekotong are maintained, especially regarding health protocols", he said in West Lombok as reported by Antara, Wednesday, June 16.

A group of people at the mine site had a disagreement on Tuesday, June 15 yesterday.

Sumerta said the closure of the illegal gold mine site was carried out with community leaders from Sekotong District who also went to the location. In addition to considering the potential for conflict, he said, the closure of the illegal mining site is feared to damage the environment.

"So that it doesn't happen again, decisive action is taken, but still prioritizes the humanist way", he said.

To ensure that there are no more illegal gold mining activities, Sumerta together with Sekotong community leaders appealed to miners to leave the location and stop mining activities.