Illegal sand mining in Brantas River, Kediri, raided by officers

Authorities in Kediri, East Java, have cracked down on illegal sand mining activities along the Brantas River. The operation, which took place on Thursday, saw officials confiscate equipment used in the illicit trade.

The raid was a collaborative effort involving the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), the local police force, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and the Brantas River Basin Management Center (BBWS Brantas). This multi-agency approach underscores the seriousness with which the authorities view the illegal mining operations.

Officials stated that the primary reasons for the crackdown are the potential environmental damage and the threat these activities pose to local infrastructure. Specifically, the mining operations are seen as a risk to the ecosystem of the Brantas River and could endanger structures such as the Brawijaya Bridge. The confiscated items included bamboo poles used to moor mining boats, highlighting the rudimentary but persistent nature of these illegal operations.