Illegal Gold Mining Ravages Jantho Nature Reserve in Aceh

Illegal gold mining activities (PETI) have encroached upon the Jantho Pine Forest Nature Reserve in Aceh Besar Regency, Aceh. An investigation by Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Walhi) Aceh reveals that approximately 14.36 hectares within the Jantho Nature Reserve have been damaged by these illicit operations between 2023 and May 2026. According to Walhi Aceh's satellite imagery analysis, the total area affected by PETI in Jantho District has surged to 102.69 hectares, a sharp increase from just 4.87 hectares at the beginning of 2023. The damage encompasses protected forests (58.85 hectares), the Jantho Nature Reserve (14.36 hectares), production forests (19.12 hectares), and water bodies (10.35 hectares). "Our monitoring indicates that dozens of excavators are suspected to be operating in the Jantho forest area," stated Afifuddin, Head of Advocacy and Campaign Division at Walhi Aceh, on Monday (29/6/26). The primary concern is the threat to the Krueng Aceh River basin. Sedimentation from soil excavation can degrade water quality, while the use of mercury poses a risk of polluting the river flow downstream. "The impact is not only felt at the mining site but also by communities that utilize the river as a source of clean water, for agricultural irrigation, and for fisheries," he added. Hanif, Spokesperson for the Jantho Bergerak Alliance, noted that illegal mining activities have been ongoing for three years with escalating damage. Based on community information, access to the mining sites is believed to originate from the Tangse area in Pidie Regency before entering Aceh Besar. It is estimated that approximately 12 kilometers have been penetrated into Jantho from the border point. "Even the nature reserve is being encroached upon, the condition of other areas could be even worse," Hanif remarked on Monday (29/6/2026). The Jantho community has firmly rejected the illegal gold mining. Source: Mongabay Indonesia