Enforcement against illegal gold mining in Kotanopan – Madina
The Provincial Government of North Sumatra (Pemprov) has reaffirmed its determination to eradicate illegal gold mining (PETI). Following clear instructions from Governor Bobby Nasution of North Sumatra and reports on social media regarding illegal gold mining in the Kotanopan district, in the Mandailing Natal region (Madina), an integrated team carried out an enforcement action on June 2, 2026.
Heri Wahyudi Marpaung, Head of the North Sumatra Environment and Forestry Agency (LHK), stated that the action was carried out by representatives of the Provincial Government of North Sumatra, the Government of the Mandailing Natal Region, and related agencies, demonstrating a joint commitment to law enforcement and environmental protection.
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“The enforcement action was carried out in an integrated manner, involving elements of the North Sumatra Provincial Government, the Mandailing Natal Regency Government, and related agencies. This step demonstrates the government’s determination to uphold the law, protect the environment, and restore areas affected by illegal mining activities,” he said.
Based on field inspections, the integrated team still found illegal gold mining activities using heavy equipment at various locations. These activities are believed to be managed by individuals identified as GD and PW.
The team immediately halted all ongoing illegal gold mining activities, in accordance with their powers and applicable laws and regulations. The team also reported that these illegal mining activities have serious consequences for the environment.
“These activities have caused significant environmental damage, including changes to the landscape and river morphology as a result of dredging operations, damage to watersheds (DAS) that may increase the risk of flooding and landslides, loss of vegetation around mining sites, the formation of excavation pits that endanger public safety, and potential pollution of river water that could disrupt the balance of the aquatic ecosystem,” he explained.
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In addition to halting mining activities, the Integrated Team also identified the heavy machinery used, inspected operational support facilities, and documented various activities that may be in violation of mining laws and regulations.
Meanwhile, Dedi Jamiansyah Putra, head of the North Sumatra Agency for Industry, Trade, Energy and Mineral Resources (Perindag ESDM), stated that during the operation, the Integrated Team successfully secured various pieces of evidence that may have been used to support illegal mining activities, including an excavator, a battery, and various other operational support equipment.
All evidence has been secured in accordance with procedures and will be processed in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
“The enforcement operation proceeded safely, orderly, and smoothly. The success of this operation demonstrates the determination of the Provincial Government of North Sumatra to take strong action against all illegal mining activities that harm the environment, threaten public safety, and damage the state,” he stated.
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To prevent a resurgence of illegal mining activities, the Integrated Team advises strengthening surveillance in the Kotanopan district and other vulnerable areas through regular, integrated patrols, consistent law enforcement against perpetrators, and accelerated environmental remediation in damaged areas.
The Provincial Government of North Sumatra also emphasized that it will take action against any illegal mining activity found in the region, including immediate on-site cessation, along with legal enforcement in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The public is also encouraged to play an active role in protecting the environment by refraining from or supporting illegal mining activities and reporting illegal mining practices immediately to the authorities in their area. ***REL
