inp.polri.go.id - East Nusa Tenggara. The East Sumba Sub-regional Police demonstrated their commitment in protecting nature and cracking down on illegal activities in protected forest areas. Three individuals were arrested for illegal gold mining (PETI) while operating in the Matalawa National Park conservation area, East Sumba Regency.

The case was disclosed directly by the East Sumba Sub-regional Police Chief, Superintendent Gede Harimbawa, during a press conference held at the East Sumba Sub-regional Police Headquarters on Wednesday (5/6/2026).

Gede explained that the case was uncovered during a joint patrol between National Park rangers and the community on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. During the patrol, officers discovered illegal gold mining activity in the Laku Lalandak River, a tributary of the Wendawa River, in Laironja Hamlet, Wanggameti Village, Matawai La Pawu District.

"This location is a conservation area protected by law, so any mining activity within it is a violation of the law," said Gede.

During the operation, officers successfully apprehended three suspected perpetrators, identified as AYN (39), DPM (36), and AHKM (24). The three were immediately taken to the East Sumba Police Headquarters for further legal proceedings.

Based on the initial investigation, the perpetrators are suspected of gold mining using traditional methods: digging up soil and rocks in the river, then panning the material with pans to obtain gold grains.

In addition to apprehending the perpetrators, police also confiscated several pieces of evidence, including six pans, three headlamps, and two jars containing material suspected to contain gold.

Gede emphasized that illegal gold mining activities not only violate the law but also have the potential to damage the environment, particularly the river ecosystem and protected forest areas in Matalawa National Park.

"Besides violating the law, these activities also have a serious impact on environmental damage. This is a serious concern for us and requires firm action," he stressed.

Furthermore, the East Sumba Sub-regional Police will also increase patrols and surveillance in areas prone to illegal mining, involving various relevant parties.

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