Residents of Beutong Ateuh Banggalang District in Nagan Raya Regency, Aceh, have confronted the Governor and the Aceh Regional House of Representatives (DPR Aceh) to firmly demand that their settlement areas be removed from designated mining zones. Living in the remote interior directly bordering the Leuser tropical rainforest ecosystem, the locals strongly reject the intrusion of extractive industries, which they say threatens to destroy their living space, indigenous cultural traditions, and livelihoods.
The Beutong Ateuh area has long been recognized for its well-preserved ecological resilience and pristine landscape. Daily life relies heavily on the clear waters of the Meureubo River for drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and plantations. According to local Islamic boarding school (pesantren) leader Tgk Malikul Azis, the community consciously chooses to focus on farming rather than engaging in gold mining activities that carry environmental destruction risks.
Threats to environmental preservation in Beutong Ateuh are not new. For over a decade, the area has been targeted by business entities and mining mafias through various permits, ranging from exploitation plans by PT Emas Mineral Murni to logging concessions. This comes despite the fact that under Aceh Bylaw (Qanun) No. 19 of 2013 on the Aceh Regional Spatial Plan (RTRWA) 2013–2033, Beutong Ateuh Banggalang District is classified as a vulnerable zone, meaning the safety of the Leuser Ecosystem—one of Southeast Asia's last rainforests—must be prioritized.
Reference sources: AwfOr – Save Beutong from Mining Threats! AwfOr – Save Beutong from Mining Threats! Civilians – Residents Give Government Ultimatum: Remove Beutong from Mining Zone!
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