Enviro News Asia, Mataram — The Ministry of Forestry, through the Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement (Gakkumhut), has taken firm action against illegal mining (PETI) activities around Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The Ministry has strengthened on-site surveillance, installed warning boards at the Mount Prabu Nature Tourism Park (TWA), and prepared law enforcement measures in collaboration with relevant authorities.
For areas outside forest zones or Other Use Areas (APL), Gakkumhut is enhancing coordination with local governments, mining authorities, and technical agencies to ensure effective cross-sectoral enforcement.
The Gakkumhut Regional Office for Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara (Jabalnusra) conducted a field inspection on Sunday, October 25, 2025, at Prabu Village, Pujut District, Central Lombok, approximately 11 kilometers (about 30 minutes) from the Mandalika Circuit. Initial verification revealed small-scale community mining within an approximate 4-hectare APL site bordering the Mount Prabu Nature Tourism Park.
Inside the TWA, officers discovered three abandoned excavation sites with no ongoing mining activity. Similar illegal mining had previously been addressed in 2018 through joint operations between Gakkumhut, NTB’s Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), and the NTB Regional Police, followed by community outreach efforts.
In addition to the Mandalika area, Aswin Bangun, Head of Gakkumhut Jabalnusra, reported the identification of other illegal mining activities in Sekotong Sub-district, West Lombok Regency.
“We are preparing further law enforcement actions and strengthening coordination with all relevant parties, including local community leaders. Although previous operations had been carried out, illegal mining activities have re-emerged,” said Aswin.
He emphasized the need for collaborative and solution-based approaches involving local stakeholders to prevent state losses and environmental damage.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, expressed appreciation to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for its support in uncovering illegal mining practices around Mandalika.
“Unauthorized mining is strictly prohibited, especially when it affects forest or conservation areas. Offenders must cease operations, restore the environment, and be held accountable for any damage caused,” Dwi asserted.
He further noted that for APL areas, the Directorate General will reinforce coordination with local governments and relevant agencies to ensure a comprehensive approach—from enforcement and permit compliance to land restoration.
The Ministry also encourages the public to report suspected illegal mining activities in forest or conservation areas through official Gakkum channels or local offices. Reports that include location details, photos, and timestamps will help accelerate verification and enforcement.
With strengthened inter-agency collaboration, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all actions against illegal mining are firm, measured, and sustainable, safeguarding forest ecosystems, the environment, and community safety. (*)
