Inp.polri.go.id - Manokwari. The South West Papua administrationt is set to collaborate with the South West Papua Regional Police in eradicating illegal and unauthorized mining practices in the region.
"In principle, we support the police's efforts to regulate all mining activities without permits," said Acting Governor of Southwest Papua, Muhammad Musa'ad, on Tuesday (30/1/2024).
He revealed that the rampant illegal mining activities involving heavy machinery have led to environmental damage in the Southwest Papua province.
"I highly appreciate the Regional Police Chief's response to the environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities," said Musa'ad.
Meanwhile, the Papua Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Jhonny Edison Isir, disclosed that his office is finalizing the decree regarding the crackdown on unauthorized gold mining activities
The general warned illegal gold miners in West Papua and South West Papua to immediately cease activities using heavy machinery and hazardous chemicals such as mercury. The police will take decisive action if miners disregard this decree, he said.
The South West Papua Police will inaugurate a special team for the crackdown on illegal mining in March 2024.
"I have conveyed to officials who used to accept (bribes from mining), now don't accept because I don't accept, and I don't want to accept," General Isir asserted.
(ar/my/pr/nm)
