The Manupeu Tanadaru and Laiwanggi Wanggameti (Matalawa) National Park Management has commended the Forestry Directorate’s law enforcement unit and the East Sumba Police for their joint efforts to prevent illegal gold mining within the protected area. Security forces have tightened surveillance across the park, deploying targeted patrols and setting up police lines to halt unauthorized operations.
Lugi Hartanto, head of the Matalawa National Park Management, urged authorities to fully investigate past incidents and prosecute those involved to create a strong deterrent effect. Hartanto also called on the public to help protect the park, warning that illegal mining threatens critical upstream water sources that downstream communities rely on.