The visit of the Head of the North Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Danny H. Pattipeilohy, to Pohuwato Regency has drawn sharp criticism from local activists. Unlicensed gold mining activities (PETI) in the Panua Nature Reserve area, specifically on Mount Polutube, Balayo Village, Patilanggio Subdistrict, are reportedly still operating despite the relevant authorities having recently conducted a site inspection.
Gorontalo activist Naviq Gobel assessed that the visit by the high-ranking BKSDA official has not yet had a real impact on the protection of the conservation area. He expressed regret that the cross-province official trip ended up being just a ceremonial event that wastes state budget without any concrete enforcement action on the ground.
According to collected information, the illegal mining activities in the protected area are suspected of still using heavy machinery like excavators. In fact, Naviq mentioned indications that the number of heavy machines entering the Panua Nature Reserve area is actually increasing, potentially worsening the massive destruction of the forest ecosystem.
Naviq urged law enforcement officers and relevant agencies to take immediate and firm action to dispel public speculation regarding the tolerance of this illegal practice. He emphasized the importance of transparent and real legal steps so that the oversight function of the conservation area can run optimally.
Previously, the Head of the North Sulawesi BKSDA and his team held a coordination meeting with the Regent of Pohuwato to discuss environmental issues in the region. To date, efforts to obtain confirmation from the North Sulawesi BKSDA regarding the follow-up handling of illegal mining activities on Mount Polutube are still ongoing.
