Police inspected suspected illegal sand mines in three villages across Bintan’s Gunung Kijang subdistrict.
Bintan Police carried out a thorough inspection of six suspected illegal sand mining sites across three different locations in Gunung Kijang. While no active mining was found, signs of past excavation prompted warnings to the public.
Illegal sand mining in Bintan has caused environmental degradation and community disruption for years. In response, local police intensified surveillance following ongoing public reports of unlawful activity in rural areas.
The Bintan District Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim), led by the Tipidter (Special Economic Crimes Unit), conducted on-site checks at six locations suspected of hosting unlicensed sand mining on Wednesday, March 9, 2025. These areas were situated in the Gunung Kijang subdistrict, known for its natural reserves and increasing development pressure.
Detailed Site Overview:
- Kampung Galang Batang, Desa Gunung Kijang:
Police examined two locations within this village, known for previous sand extraction activities linked to unregistered contractors. Officers discovered no ongoing mining, but leftover pits and soil disruption confirmed past use. - Kampung Jeropet, Kelurahan Kawal:
In this area, two additional sites were checked following reports from residents about heavy vehicle traffic and machinery noise at odd hours. While operations had ceased by the time of inspection, fresh tire marks and loose sand deposits indicated recent usage. - Kampung Lapangan, Desa Malang Rapat:
The final two locations were found on the outskirts of this coastal village. Here, officers noted visible erosion and excavated land, although again, no equipment or workers were present during the patrol.
Kanit Tipidter Ipda Ady Satrio Gustian confirmed that while the team found no active excavation, signs of previous illegal mining were clearly evident. “We documented siltation and gaping pits that raise both environmental and legal concerns,” he stated.
The police issued direct warnings to nearby residents, urging them to avoid illegal sand extraction and to promptly report any suspicious activity. These warnings aim to suppress repeated exploitation, which has become cyclical in remote villages.
In his statement, Ady emphasized that routine surveillance and surprise patrols will continue. “We want to ensure that no one takes advantage of remote terrain to conduct illegal operations that damage our land and ecosystem,” he said.
Earlier, suspects tied to similar cases were charged under Indonesia’s mining and environmental laws. Proactive enforcement in areas like Gunung Kijang reflects police commitment to halting unregulated development that risks the island’s long-term sustainability.
As Bintan pushes forward with development, law enforcement remains crucial in balancing progress with environmental integrity. These inspections are a reminder that regulatory vigilance is vital—not only for Indonesia but also for cross-border neighbors like Singapore who benefit from shared ecological stewardship in the region.
Sources: Gokepri (2025), Prime Times (2025)
Keywords: Illegal Sand Mining, Bintan Patrol, Gunung Kijang, Mining Inspection
