Illegal Gold Mining in Sumbawa: A Growing Crisis for West Nusa Tenggara
The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) has sounded the alarm over rampant illegal gold mining operations in Sumbawa Regency,urging the provincial government too take immediate action. Thes operations, allegedly conducted by Chinese nationals, have disrupted the lives of residents in three villages and caused important environmental damage.
“The West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government must promptly conduct an evaluation regarding the presence of heavy equipment in these areas,” said Saat Abdullah,an NTB DPRD member,during a press briefing in Sumbawa on Monday,January 13,2025.
The Scope of the Problem
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According to data from the NTB Environment and Forestry Service (DLHK), dozens of illegal mining sites, each spanning tens of hectares, are operating in Sumbawa.These operations use heavy machinery, such as excavators and stone crushers, to extract gold, bypassing legal channels and evading taxes, royalties, and other mandatory contributions.
Julmansyah, Head of the NTB Environment and Forestry Service, emphasized that regulating illegal mining falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ (ESDM) mining inspectorate and law enforcement agencies.“This constitutes a criminal offense under Article 158 of the Mineral and Coal Mining Law,” he stated.
The NTB Environmental Forum (Walhi) has raised concerns about the environmental devastation caused by these illegal activities.“We have the initial information, not only in Sumbawa,” said Amri, Head of Walhi West Nusa tenggara. Satellite imagery reveals that mining activities in Lantung District alone have impacted more than 10 hectares of land per site, leading to widespread deforestation.
Amri attributed the proliferation of illegal mining to weak oversight and the absence of clear policies. “The victims are the community,” Saat Abdullah added, highlighting the social toll of these operations.
Regulatory Challenges
While the Sumbawa Regency Government has enacted Regional Regulation No. 57 of 2020, which outlines a Regional Action Plan for the Reduction and Elimination of Mercury, enforcement remains a challenge. Julmansyah noted that mercury is banned in Indonesia,but its illegal use persists. “Any existing mercury must have originated from unlicensed sources,” he said.
Cyanide, on the other hand, is permitted under strict conditions, requiring proper wastewater management and adherence to quality standards. However, the lack of effective monitoring has allowed illegal miners to operate with impunity.
Calls for action
The NTB DPRD has urged the provincial government to step up efforts to curb illegal mining, even though mining permits fall under the central government’s jurisdiction. “In the future, we cannot allow this situation to continue,” Saat Abdullah stressed.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Illegal Mining Sites | Dozens of sites, each spanning tens of hectares |
| Environmental Impact | deforestation, land degradation, and mercury contamination |
| regulatory Framework | Regional Regulation No. 57 of 2020; Article 158 of Mineral and Coal Mining Law |
| Key Stakeholders | NTB DPRD, NTB Environment and Forestry Service, Walhi, Ministry of ESDM |
Moving Forward
The situation in Sumbawa underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight and collaboration between local and central governments. As illegal mining continues to threaten both the environment and local communities, stakeholders must act swiftly to enforce existing regulations and implement new measures to protect the region’s natural resources.
For more updates on this developing story,stay tuned to Tempo and follow the latest news on Google News.Editor’s Choice: The Poor Management of Indonesia’s Rivers
Illegal Gold Mining in Sumbawa: A Conversation with environmental Expert Dr. Rina Wijayanti
Illegal gold mining in Sumbawa,West Nusa Tenggara (NTB),has become a pressing issue,with widespread environmental damage and social disruption. To better understand the crisis, we sat down with Dr.rina Wijayanti, an environmental scientist and expert on mining practices in Indonesia. Dr. Wijayanti shares her insights on the scope of the problem, its environmental and social impacts, and the challenges of regulation and enforcement.
The Scope of the Problem
Senior Editor: dr. Wijayanti, could you start by explaining the scale of illegal gold mining in Sumbawa?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: Certainly. The issue is massive. According to data from the NTB Environment and forestry Service, there are dozens of illegal mining sites, each spanning tens of hectares. These operations use heavy machinery like excavators and stone crushers, which not only extract gold illegally but also bypass legal channels, evading taxes and royalties. This undermines the local economy and deprives the government of much-needed revenue.
Senior Editor: what makes Sumbawa particularly vulnerable to these activities?
Dr. Rina wijayanti: sumbawa is rich in gold deposits, making it a prime target for illegal miners. Additionally, weak oversight and the absence of clear policies have allowed these operations to flourish. The involvement of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese nationals, has further intricate the situation, as they often bring in advanced equipment and resources that local authorities struggle to regulate.
Senior Editor: What are the environmental consequences of these illegal mining activities?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: The environmental damage is severe. Satellite imagery shows that mining activities in Lantung District alone have impacted more than 10 hectares of land per site, leading to widespread deforestation and land degradation. The use of mercury, which is banned in Indonesia, has also caused notable contamination of soil and water sources. This not only harms the ecosystem but also poses serious health risks to local communities.
Senior Editor: How are these activities affecting the local communities?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: The social toll is immense. Illegal mining disrupts the lives of residents in affected villages, frequently enough leading to conflicts over land and resources. The environmental degradation also impacts agriculture and fishing, which are vital to the local economy. Manny residents are left with no choice but to participate in these illegal activities to survive, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and environmental harm.
Regulatory Challenges
Senior Editor: What are the main challenges in regulating illegal mining in Sumbawa?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: One of the biggest challenges is the lack of effective enforcement. While the Sumbawa Regency Government has enacted regional Regulation No. 57 of 2020, which outlines a Regional Action Plan for the Reduction and Elimination of Mercury, implementation has been weak. The use of mercury persists, and illegal miners often operate with impunity due to inadequate monitoring and enforcement.
Senior Editor: What about the use of cyanide? Is that regulated?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: Cyanide is permitted under strict conditions, requiring proper wastewater management and adherence to quality standards. Though, the lack of effective monitoring has allowed illegal miners to use cyanide without proper safeguards, further exacerbating environmental contamination.
Calls for Action
Senior Editor: What steps do you think need to be taken to address this crisis?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: There needs to be stronger oversight and collaboration between local and central governments. The NTB DPRD has already urged the provincial government to take immediate action, but more needs to be done. this includes increasing the capacity of law enforcement agencies, improving monitoring systems, and providing option livelihoods for affected communities.Without swift and decisive action, the situation will only worsen, with devastating consequences for both the environment and local communities.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. wijayanti, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that illegal gold mining in Sumbawa is a complex issue that requires urgent attention and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: thank you for having me. I hope this conversation helps raise awareness about the critical need to address this growing crisis.
