Politap Collaborates with Garda Animalia to Highlight Illegal Gold Mining Phenomenon

KETAPANG – Monday (01/11/2022). In order to raise awareness and voice concerns regarding illegal gold mining issues, Garda Animalia organized the “Garda Animalia Road To Borneo” event. Garda Animalia itself is an association of wildlife defenders legally guaranteed the freedom of association and assembly under Article 28E Paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution and Article 24 Paragraph (1) of Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights. This social movement-based organization was founded and developed by volunteers from diverse fields and backgrounds focusing on research and studies, journalism, investigations, campaigns and awareness-raising, law enforcement support, and advocacy related to wildlife conservation in Indonesia.

This event was held across 9 locations in 5 Kalimantan provinces. On 1 November 2022, Ketapang had the opportunity to be one of the destination cities for this activity. In collaboration with Mapala BMRB Politeknik Negeri Ketapang (Ketapang State Polytechnic), Garda Animalia held a film screening and discussion of “Longgok (C)emas: Mengeruk Emas, Menimbun Cemas”. The film, which runs for approximately 40 minutes, was produced by members of Garda Animalia. The film Longgok (C)emas highlights the phenomenon of Illegal Gold Mining (PETI) in Ketapang Regency, particularly in the Sungai Melayu, Pematang Gadung, and Sungai Besar areas.

Held in the 2nd Floor Directorate Building Hall of Politeknik Negeri Ketapang, the event was attended by 38 participants. Attendees included representatives from Sispala, Politap student organizations (Ormawa), LPHD Sungai Besar, LPHD Pelang, LPHD Pematang Gadung, Yayasan International Animal Rescue Indonesia (YIARI), Front Perjuangan Rakyat Ketapang (FPRK), as well as Mr. Abdul Ain, a member of the Ketapang Regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). The event commenced at 20:00 WIB and concluded at 22:30 WIB. (Finan Su)