PRIME NEWS POST

The INDONESIAN (Mandailing Natal) — Prominent North Sumatra youth figure Misron Saidi, widely known as Ade Batubara, has issued a firm response to reports alleging the Head of Lubuk Samboa Village, Batang Natal District, Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatra, is involved in unauthorized gold mining operations (PETI) suspected in the Parlampungan watershed area.

Ade Batubara emphasized the issue cannot be treated as an ordinary matter if a public official is proven to have involvement, interests, or a role in illegal mining activities.

According to him, a village chief should stand at the forefront of safeguarding community interests, environmental sustainability, and ensuring their jurisdiction does not become a space for unlawful activities.

“If these reports are true, the matter is extremely serious. A village head should be a protector of the people and the environment—not someone alleged to have stakes in activities that risk destroying rivers, ecosystems, and causing losses to the state,” Ade Batubara stated firmly.

He called on law enforcement authorities not to stop at merely regulating field workers or mining operators. Enforcement must extend to tracing parties allegedly behind such operations.

“We must not arrest only low-level workers on the ground, while those suspected of providing capital, influence, networks, or protection remain untouched. If we are serious about eradicating illegal mining, the financial chain and those facilitating these activities must be fully investigated,” he said.

Furthermore, Ade Batubara noted that alleged involvement by a public official—if proven through legal process—represents a far more serious issue, striking at the heart of institutional integrity and public trust.

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He stressed that public office must never be used as a shield, protection, or means to secure private or group advantage.

“Office is a public trust, not a tool to expand personal interests. Therefore, if there are indications that an official position is being used to facilitate, protect, or enable unlawful activities, this must be examined openly and professionally,” he added.

Ade Batubara also highlighted the environmental toll of illegal mining. Unregulated, unauthorized gold extraction carries severe ecological consequences that extend beyond the present day, affecting future generations.

Watershed degradation, water pollution, soil destabilization, and threats to community livelihoods are real risks that cannot be ignored.

“Profits may benefit a select few, but when rivers are ruined, water is contaminated, and the environment is destroyed, the broader public bears the cost. All parties must understand this,” he asserted.

He urged law enforcement agencies—both police and relevant authorities—to conduct thorough, evidence-based investigations and inspections.

Authorities must not hesitate to question anyone linked to the alleged illegal mining.

“There can be no double standards in upholding the law. Regardless of who they are or their position, if evidence of involvement exists, they must face legal process. The state must not yield to illegal mining networks,” Ade Batubara said.

He also called on local government not to turn a blind eye to activities occurring within Mandailing Natal, particularly those with environmental and legal implications.

Local authorities, together with relevant agencies, must exercise meaningful oversight and ensure no illegal mining operations are tolerated.

While unauthorized mining carries potential criminal liability under mineral and coal mining laws, Ade Batubara reaffirmed that any finding of wrongdoing or individual involvement must be established through proper investigation and legal process.

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“That is why I urge authorities to act. Go to the site, examine the operations, trace the funding, and identify those controlling and profiting from these activities. This issue must not fade away without clarity,” he stated.

Ade Batubara pledged continued oversight of the case as a commitment to the rule of law, environmental protection, and the interests of North Sumatra, particularly the people of Mandailing Natal.

“This is not about targeting individuals. It is about ensuring every alleged violation is examined and investigated professionally. If unproven, one’s reputation must be upheld. But if violations are found, the law must apply equally to all,” the youth leader concluded.

Public attention now turns to law enforcement and local government. The community awaits decisive action: whether these alleged illegal mining operations will be seriously investigated—including those suspected of masterminding them—or once again become an environmental issue left unresolved.