inp.polri.go.id - Riau. The Riau Regional Police conducted an independent regional operation to crack down on illegal gold mining (PETI) in Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regency ahead of the Pacu Jalur Festival. During the 14-day operation, the Riau Police arrested dozens of suspects and destroyed hundreds of rafts or mining equipment.

Riau Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Herry Heryawan, stated that his party is committed to cracking down on illegal gold mining (PETI) that damages the environment. This operation will continue as a form of environmental protection.

"This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the environment, enforcing the law, and protecting the public from the negative impacts of PETI. We will continue to operate and provide no room for this illegal practice," he said, as reported by the beritariau website, Thursday (8/14/2025).

Enforcement will be carried out continuously, especially leading up to the peak of the Pacu Jalur Festival, which will be held on August 20-24, 2025, at Tepian Narosa, Kuantan Bay. This enforcement is considered crucial, considering the impact of PETI itself, which affects the water quality of the river that will be used as the Pacu Jalur venue.

This enforcement is considered crucial to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the Batang Kuantan River, which will serve as the Pacu Jalur venue. The Riau Regional Police and Provincial Government want to ensure that this traditional festival, which is a part of Kuansing culture, is maintained in the national and international arena.

With this operation, it is hoped that the Kuantan River, which represents the face of Kuansing Regency, will be cleaner. 

The Director of Special Criminal Investigation at the Riau Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Ade Kuncoro, stated that during the 14-day operation, his team had secured several suspects and seized evidence.

"We have secured 15 suspects, and 223 rafts have been confiscated and destroyed," he explained.

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