MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government is strengthening oversight of the mining sector and expanding cooperation with law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining activities that continue to be detected across several regions.
The initiative forms part of the government's broader effort to ensure legal compliance in the mining industry while protecting the environment and local communities from the adverse impacts of unauthorized mining operations.
Illegal mining remains a persistent challenge in various parts of North Sumatra, posing significant environmental risks and threatening the safety of residents living near affected areas. In response, the provincial administration is intensifying monitoring efforts and reinforcing collaboration with relevant institutions.
According to Dedi Jaminsyah Putra Harahap, Head of the North Sumatra Office of Industry, Trade, Energy, and Mineral Resources, the provincial government is currently conducting internal consolidation measures to strengthen supervision of mining activities before formalizing cooperation with prosecutors and the police.
"We are currently in a phase of internal consolidation. After that, we plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with law enforcement agencies, particularly the prosecutor's office and the police, to strengthen monitoring and jointly combat illegal mining activities in North Sumatra," Dedi said on Monday (June 8, 2026).
Stronger Oversight and Law EnforcementDedi explained that the planned cooperation is expected to improve field-level coordination and accelerate the handling of violations uncovered during inspections.
The involvement of law enforcement agencies is considered essential to ensure that all mining activities comply with applicable regulations and that violations are addressed through effective legal action.
The provincial government, he said, remains committed to regulating all mining activities that fail to meet legal requirements. Oversight efforts will extend beyond administrative supervision and include consistent and sustainable law enforcement measures.
"We will significantly strengthen supervision while actively involving law enforcement agencies. This is an important step to ensure that all mining activities in North Sumatra comply with prevailing regulations," Dedi emphasized.
He added that the strategic partnership with the police and prosecutor's office would substantially enhance the effectiveness of monitoring efforts, enabling authorities to respond more quickly to illegal operations while ensuring due legal process.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO SUPPORT OVERSIGHT: Dedi Jaminsyah Putra Harahap, Head of the North Sumatra Office of Industry, Trade, Energy, and Mineral Resources, outlines plans for closer cooperation with prosecutors and police to strengthen supervision and enforcement against illegal mining activities. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Provincial Communication and Informatics Office)
Illegal Mining Continues to Raise Concerns
The provincial government has expressed ongoing concern over the impact of illegal mining activities on communities across North Sumatra.
Unauthorized extraction of natural resources can cause severe environmental damage, including land degradation and pollution of natural resources, directly affecting the livelihoods of local residents.
In addition, illegal mining operations often fail to meet mandatory safety standards, increasing the risk of workplace accidents and endangering surrounding communities. For this reason, authorities view stricter and continuous monitoring as a critical necessity.
Officials believe that the active involvement of law enforcement agencies will improve the implementation of oversight measures on the ground, allowing violations to be identified and addressed before their impacts become more widespread.
Collaboration With Local Governments to Be ExpandedBeyond cooperation with law enforcement authorities, the provincial government also plans to strengthen coordination with district and municipal administrations, as well as other relevant stakeholders.
The objective is to reinforce the existing monitoring system and ensure compliance with all legal requirements governing the mining sector.
Local governments are expected to play a vital role due to their proximity to mining areas and their ability to identify and report potential violations at an early stage. Improved coordination is expected to facilitate faster information sharing and more timely intervention.
The provincial government also urged mining companies to comply with licensing requirements, implement strict safety standards, and fulfill environmental obligations responsibly.
Compliance with these regulations, officials said, is fundamental to creating a safe, productive, and sustainable mining industry.
With enhanced supervision and support from law enforcement agencies and local governments, the provincial administration remains optimistic that illegal mining activities can be curbed more effectively in the future. The ultimate goal is to safeguard the environment, protect public safety, and ensure sustainable and legally compliant development of the mining sector in North Sumatra. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala