Enviro News Asia, South Solok — The Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkum Kehutanan) for the Sumatra Region, together with the Halilintar Task Force of the Forest Area Protection Task Force (PKH), conducted an operation to curb illegal mining activities in forest areas of South Solok Regency, West Sumatra Province.
The operation targeted illegal gold mining (PETI) activities taking place in Padang Aro Forest Area, Sangir District, particularly along the upstream Batang Hari River and within protected forest zones in Sangir. The enforcement action has been carried out since 24 January 2026 and involved dozens of personnel from the Sumatra Forestry Law Enforcement Office, the PKH Task Force, and local military units from the district and sub-district commands.
During the operation, the joint team discovered four excavators operating illegally inside the Lubuk Gadang Production Forest and nearby protected forest areas. One of the excavators was found buried under rocks and severely damaged. All heavy equipment was abandoned and not in operation, indicating that the operators had likely received prior information about the enforcement action.
The team attempted to secure and evacuate the excavators but encountered resistance from residents of Jorong Jujutan, who blocked road access and staged protests. The Forestry Law Enforcement team subsequently coordinated with the South Solok Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (FORKOPIMDA) to address the situation. As of Monday night, 26 January 2026, the sole access road to the area remained blocked, preventing the evacuation of the heavy equipment. Mediation efforts are currently being facilitated by the South Solok Regency Government.
Head of the Sumatra Forestry Law Enforcement Office, Hari Novianto, stated that the operation reflects strong collaboration between Forestry Law Enforcement and the PKH Task Force, particularly the Halilintar Unit, which focuses on combating illegal mining within forest areas.
He emphasized that protected forests play a vital role in maintaining life-support systems, including water regulation, erosion control, soil fertility, and biodiversity conservation. The operation, he said, demonstrates the government’s commitment to preventing ecological disasters caused by forest degradation.
Hari Novianto also stressed the importance of community support to ensure effective forestry law enforcement, noting that protecting forests is essential to safeguarding livelihoods and environmental sustainability. (*)
