Enviro News Asia, Bogor – The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), through the Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement (Gakkum), conducted an operation to crack down on illegal gold mining activities (PETI) within the Mount Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS) on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
This action follows the commitment of Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, who has repeatedly emphasized the government’s determination to stop illegal mining practices that damage conservation forest areas.
The joint operation involved elements of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and began in the Ciear Block, Cisarua Village, Sukajaya District, Bogor Regency. The enforcement activities will continue in several other locations across the Halimun landscape in accordance with the operational plan.
The initiative is also part of a broader agenda to protect the upstream areas of river basins (DAS), as illegal mining activities pose serious threats of hydrometeorological disasters such as landslides, flash floods, and sedimentation—especially during the current rainy season.
“This operation will be carried out continuously. We appreciate the active reports from the public that helped uncover illegal mining activities within TNGHS,” said Dwi Januanto Nugroho, Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, in an official statement.
During the operation in Ciear Block, a joint team of around 60 personnel successfully dismantled 31 makeshift blue tents used for illegal mining operations. The team also confiscated various pieces of evidence, including cyanide chemicals, used oil jerry cans, manual scales, and gold-processing tools such as wooden stirrers and metal drums.
“On-site, the team halted operations, dismantled mining facilities, and will proceed with legal action in accordance with prevailing regulations,” Dwi added.
The operation was carried out through inter-agency coordination involving the TNGHS management authority, local governments, and law enforcement agencies. This collaborative approach aims to break the recurring “cat-and-mouse” pattern often seen between authorities and illegal miners.
KLHK reiterated that preserving conservation areas can only succeed with strong community participation. Citizens are encouraged to actively report any indications of illegal mining to pengaduan.gakkum@kehutanan.go.id or to the nearest Forestry Law Enforcement office.
“Public support is crucial not only to protect our forests but also to safeguard communities from disasters caused by environmental degradation,” Dwi concluded. (*)
