JakartaPost/Kompas-Jan 30, 2026
An environmental NGO has called for an overhaul of the sector after at least 15 artisanal gold miners were killed in accidents this month alone, while the national anti-money laundering has highlighted that the illegal activity led to billions of dollars in losses over the past two years. The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) has urged stronger law enforcement and systemic reform to tackle illegal gold mining operations, following accidents that claimed at least 19 lives in Jambi and West Java. Oscar Anugrah, head of Walhi’s Jambi office, said strong commitment from both the police and regional administrations was essential to address the long-standing problem. “Law enforcement efforts must not stop at arresting illegal miners alone, but should also target those who finance these operations,” Oscar said on Tuesday, as quoted by Kompas.com. “Unless the individuals who provide capital and heavy equipment are brought to justice, the chain of illegal mining that threatens workers’ lives will never be broken,” he added. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) reported that between 2023 and 2025, transaction flows linked to illegal gold mining activities nationwide reached Rp 185 trillion (US$11.02 billion) and warned that the practice was becoming more widespread. PPATK spokesperson Natsir Kongah said the transactions originated from illegal mining activities in Papua, West Kalimantan, Sulawesi, North Sumatra and across Java. Read more at: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2026/01/30/walhi-calls-for-systemic-reform-after-19-fatalities-linked-to-illegal-gold-mining.html?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=home_headlines
