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Indonesia Forest Gold Rush: 500 Miners Caught Red-Handed
13 Jan
Summary
- Over 500 people were found illegally mining gold in a protected forest.
- Miners used toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, posing health risks.
- Indonesian authorities launched a crackdown with military and forestry personnel.
Government officials in Indonesia have initiated a strong crackdown following the discovery of widespread illegal gold mining operations deep within a protected forest. Enforcement teams targeted unlicensed mining activities in West Nusa Tenggara, uncovering more than 500 individuals extracting gold using basic tools and hazardous chemicals like mercury and cyanide.
The coordinated operation, involving multiple government agencies and military personnel, saw access points to the mining sites sealed off. This illegal mining poses severe risks to ecosystems, water sources, and human health, highlighting a persistent challenge driven by economic hardship.
President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to eradicating illegal mining and safeguarding natural resources. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has instructed enforcement agencies to act firmly, proportionately, and fairly, balancing law enforcement with community development initiatives.
