KPK Regional Supervision Task Force Head for Region V, Dian Patra, said authorities discovered the suspected mine on Big Sebayur Island in West Manggarai Regency, just a short distance from Komodo Island, after receiving tips from the public.

“When we visited the island, we found large mining pipes scattered across the area, but no one was present. We were told that the operations occur at night and that the gold is transported to the nearby West Nusa Tenggara province, although this has not been confirmed,” he said over the weekend, as quoted by Kompas.com.

Dian added that he had reported the findings to the Forestry Ministry, the Environment Ministry and the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry. The KPK will also investigate the case, as authorities suspect the illegal operations may be supported by local officials.

He expressed concern that the mining activities could cause environmental pollution and threaten Komodo dragons.

“Gold mining uses cyanide and mercury. I am worried about the environmental impact, especially since Komodo dragons are found nowhere else in the world,” Dian said.

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