Operations against illegal gold mining in the Batang Gadis River Continued – Madina
The Provincial Government of North Sumatra (Pemprov) is continuing its efforts to eradicate illegal gold mining (PETI) in the Mandailing Natal Regency (Madina). Following the operation in the Kotanopan district, the integrated team continued the operation and discovered illegal mining activities in the area around the Batang Gadis River, particularly in the vicinity of Muara Mais.
Heri Wahyudi Marpaung, Head of the North Sumatra Environment and Forestry Agency (LHK), stated that the operation was a follow-up to the clear order from Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution of North Sumatra to consistently prosecute all illegal mining activities that harm the environment and threaten public safety, in accordance with legal provisions.
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“When the integrated team arrived on the scene, the illegal gold miners, having noticed the officers’ arrival, immediately fled by crossing the Batang Gadis River and fleeing into the forest area. However, the officers managed to secure a number of pieces of evidence and found various pieces of equipment used in the illegal gold mining,” he said on Friday (July 3, 2026).
Based on field inspections, it has been found that illegal gold mining in the area has caused significant environmental damage. Dredging operations along the banks of the Batang Gadis River have led to changes in the landscape, damage to the ecosystem, and soil erosion approaching the Trans-Sumatran Highway.
“These conditions increase the risk of disasters, such as floods and landslides, which could endanger the community and disrupt national road infrastructure if these illegal activities continue,” he said.
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Meanwhile, Dedi Jamiansyah Putra, head of the North Sumatra Agency for Industry, Trade, Energy and Mineral Resources (Perindag ESDM), stated that the Integrated Team, as part of law enforcement, has destroyed facilities and equipment used in illegal gold mining, seized evidence at the site, and will take legal action in accordance with applicable legislation.
According to him, the Provincial Government of North Sumatra is determined to continue its ongoing enforcement operations against all illegal gold mining in the various regions. This measure is not only a form of law enforcement but also a concrete attempt to protect the environment, ensure public safety, and guarantee that the management of natural resources is carried out legally, responsibly, and sustainably.
“The Provincial Government of North Sumatra calls upon all members of society to play an active role in protecting the environment by refraining from illegal mining activities and reporting illegal gold mining to the authorities or competent agencies,” said Putra. ***REL
