Aceh Authorities Issue Ultimatum on Illegal Gold Mining Operations

Amidst the rampant illegal gold mining (PETI) activities in Indonesia's Aceh province, the Forum Koordinasi Pimpinan Daerah (Forkopimda) Aceh, comprising the region's top security and administrative leaders, has issued a joint statement demanding a halt to all illegal gold mining operations by August 17, 2026. The statement, released on Wednesday (22/7/26), also calls for an end to the use of hazardous materials like mercury and cyanide. The Forkopimda Aceh includes the Wali Nanggroe Aceh, the Governor of Aceh, the Speaker of the Aceh Regional People's Representative Council (DPRA), the Commander of the Iskandar Muda Military Regional Command, the Chief of the Aceh Regional Police, the Head of the Aceh High Prosecutor's Office, the Head of the Aceh State Intelligence Agency, the Commander of Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base, the Commander of Lanal Sabang, the Chief Justice of the Banda Aceh High Court, and the Chairman of the Majelis Permusyawaratan Ulama (MPU) Aceh. The joint statement highlights that PETI practices lead to a decline in environmental quality and threaten the safety of humans and other living beings. It urges all perpetrators to immediately cease mining activities, including the procurement, storage, use, and trade of mercury and cyanide without permits. Forkopimda Aceh reminded that PETI perpetrators can be charged under several laws, including Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining, Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management, Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, and Law Number 41 of 1999 concerning Forestry. All regents and mayors in Aceh have been instructed to increase supervision and take action against PETI activities. M. Nasir, the Regional Secretary of Aceh, stated that the government continues to find illegal gold mining activities in several districts, including Aceh Besar, Pidie, Aceh Tengah, Gayo Lues, Aceh Jaya, Aceh Barat, Nagan Raya, Aceh Barat Daya, and Aceh. Information Source: Mongabay Indonesia