Investigations into unlicensed gold mining (PETI) activities in the Bolaang Mongondow (Bolmong) Regency are once again being voiced by the public. This time, the spotlight is on the Mount Tagin (Bulud Tagin) area in Bakan Village, Lolayan District, which is strongly suspected of being the site of massive illegal gold dredging amidst ongoing mining crackdowns in various regions.
Residents' concerns are based on the impact of environmental damage that could potentially harm the mountain ecosystem and threaten the safety of surrounding settlements. A resident of Lolayan District, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that ignoring this illegal activity will only worsen local environmental damage. He urged law enforcement agencies to take immediate and concrete action on the ground without bias.
Rumors circulating in the community have also linked these illegal activities to an individual with the initials "Papa Wiwi." However, the truth of this information has not yet been legally confirmed. For this reason, residents hope the police will immediately conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the main actors behind the alleged forest exploitation.
A search using Google Earth satellite imagery at coordinates 0.5907122, 124.3142677 reveals a fairly large open area in the middle of the dense forest cover of Bulud Tagin. The imagery also shows the presence of a land access road allegedly built leading to the land clearing site. This visual appearance strengthens indications of structured activities in the remote area, although legal proof still requires direct field verification.
Responding to residents' concerns, the Head of Criminal Investigation of the Kotamobagu Police, Iptu Ahmad Waafi, S.Tr.K., M.H., affirmed his commitment to enforcing the law. The police department, which oversees the jurisdiction of Mount Tagin, declared its readiness to take firm action and legally prosecute anyone proven to be operating mining activities without official documentation.
In addition to the police, local residents are also placing their hopes in the North Sulawesi Energy and Mineral Resources Department (ESDM) and the Watershed and Protected Forest Management Agency (BPDASHL). Synergy between these agencies is considered crucial to clarify the status of the forest area and assess the level of environmental damage caused by the unauthorized exploitation.
