In Banyuwangi, a region of Indonesia known for its breathtaking scenery, an unexpected incident at the Tumpang Pitu gold mine on a peaceful Thursday, May 16, 2024, rattled tourists. The Banyuwangi Environmental Office quickly jumped into action following an explosion that shook the serene getaway spot of Red Island. Dwi Handayani, who leads the office, announced plans to take a closer look at the mine to understand the situation better.
“We’re going to check out the mine in response to the complaints people have made,” stated Handayani, emphasizing that mining blasts shouldn’t bother communities. She highlighted that the mining activities are supposed to follow specific rules regarding how and when they occur to avoid such disturbances.
Located in the village of Sumberagung in the Pesanggaran District, the gold mine is under the management of PT Bumi Suksesindo, a part of the PT Merdeka Copper Gold group. Spanning an impressive 4,998 hectares within a designated production forest, the mining area itself covers 992 hectares.
The explosion not only caused vibrations felt across Merah Island but also left a strong scent in the air, sparking panic among visitors. Many tourists were enjoying a laid-back day, with some surfing and others lounging on the island’s sandy beaches, when they were startled by the blast. “It felt like an earthquake was happening. Everyone started running,” a local named Lasmo shared, adding that this wasn’t a one-time event but something that happened nearly every day.
Eyewitnesses could see brown smoke billowing from the mining site, a sight that became all too familiar. Despite the commotion and concern among tourists and residents alike, the mining company had not provided an official comment about the incident as of the morning following the event.
This incident shines a light on the delicate balance between preserving tourism appeal and pursuing economic activities like mining, which are significant for Indonesia’s commodities sector. It raises questions about ensuring safety and peace for both locals and tourists in areas of such rich natural beauty and economic value.
