Illegal Gold Mining Threatens Jambi's Clean Water Supply

RRI.CO.ID, Jambi - The Batanghari River, the lifeline of Jambi’s clean water supply, is now heavily polluted following the encroachment of about 300 illegal dompeng gold-mining machines in the Tebo Regency area. The ecological damage has prompted a strong response from the Jambi Provincial Provincial Legislative Council, which is urging uncompromising legal action before the raw water crisis escalates into a public health disaster.

Deputy Chairperson of the Jambi Provincial Legislative Council, Ivan Wirata, addressed the issue in Jambi on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. He said that the council has received multiple reports on illegal gold-mining activities (PETI) from both media coverage and community complaints.

“We urge law enforcement to carry out firm and measured actions immediately. PETI causes many losses, especially to regional revenue and the environment. We can see the Batanghari River starting to become polluted, even though it is a source of PDAM raw water,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

Investigations show PETI activity persists in Tebo, Bungo, Merangin, Batanghari, Sarolangun, and Kerinci Regencies.

In Teluk Langkap Village, Sumay Subdistrict, Tebo Regency, Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI) Jambi recorded about 300 dompeng (a machine for extracting gold from river sediment) units operating in the Batanghari River area. WALHI says the activity is suspected of causing forest damage covering some 12,202 hectares and polluting the Batanghari’s watercourse.

Ivan argued the PETI problem cannot be solved by law enforcement alone. He said long-term regulations are needed to provide certainty for communities whose livelihoods depend on small-scale mining.

“In fact, that activity could be legalized under existing regulations. But so far there has been no realization. If there is a scheme like community wells in the oil and gas sector, we hope there could also be one for small-scale gold miners. But until such measures exist, PETI must be eradicated,” he said.

As part of its oversight function, the Provincial Legislative Council urged the Jambi Regional Police (Polda) and related agencies to accelerate efforts to achieve a zero-PETI target across the province.

Meanwhile, Head of Public Relations at Polda Jambi, Sr. Com. Erlan Munaji, affirmed that the police will not tolerate anyone involved in PETI activities. “Any individuals proven to be involved will be processed firmly in accordance with applicable law,” he said.

Erlan added that the Jambi Police Chief has instructed all units to strengthen investigations, map affected areas, and enforce the law against PETI in all regions still indicated as illegal-mining locations. ***