“Demam Emas” Bikin Chaos Negara, Ancam Krisis Baru
Masalah di Wilayah Adat Bau
Dailynesia.com – The “Demam Emas” phenomenon has become a pressing concern in several nations, particularly affecting regions like Wilayah Adat Bau in the Amazon rainforest. This unregulated gold mining activity has led to environmental degradation and social unrest. The indigenous leaders, including Bepdjo Mekragnotire, have been at the forefront of efforts to protect their ancestral lands. Despite the chaos caused by illegal mining, these communities remain resilient, advocating for sustainable practices and legal frameworks to address the issue.
“Para penambang itu sangat gigih. Mereka masuk dengan cara apa pun. Karena saat ini harga emas sangat tinggi,” ujar Bepdjo, dilansir AFP, Jumat (29/5/2026). “Kita harus mengusir mereka, kalau tidak, mereka akan terus menerobos masuk,” tambahnya.
Krisis Baru yang Muncul
Solution For the rapid expansion of gold mining has not only disrupted ecosystems but also strained local economies. The influx of miners into protected areas has created a new crisis, with emas being smuggled to countries like Guyana and Venezuela to evade regulations. This practice, known as “tambang hantu,” highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to track the origin of gold and prevent its exploitation in unregulated zones. The Institute Escolhas reports that such activities have led to increased environmental damage and loss of biodiversity.
“Emas yang diambil dari kawasan lindung kemungkinan besar dicuci melalui metode tersebut,” kata Danicley de Aguiar, koordinator kampanye Masyarakat Adat Greenpeace Brasil.
Perluasan Aktivitas Pertambangan
Dari tahun 2018 hingga 2025, hampir 223.000 hektar di Brasil telah terkena dampak penambangan ilegal. Solution For the problem requires not only enforcement but also a shift in policy to support legal operations. Under the previous administration, the lack of strict regulations allowed miners to expand rapidly into remote areas. Even with the current government’s efforts, the challenge persists due to the complexity of tracking and regulating gold production.
“Para penambang mundur semakin dalam ke hutan,” kata Nilton Tubino, yang ditunjuk pemerintah Lula untuk memimpin operasi perlindungan wilayah adat.
Solution For the issue of illegal mining in Wilayah Adat Bau has involved coordinated efforts between indigenous leaders and environmental organizations. These groups have organized protests and implemented measures to reclaim their territories. However, the scale of the problem remains daunting, with thousands of hectares under threat. The community’s struggle underscores the importance of having robust legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to address the root causes of the crisis.
Kebijakan Baru dan Tantangan
Brasil is now developing new policies to strengthen the tracking of gold production. Solution For this challenge includes the introduction of a DNA-based system for emas, which aims to trace the origin of the ore back to its source. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat illegal mining and ensure compliance with environmental standards. However, the implementation of these policies faces hurdles, including the vast size of the Amazon and limited resources for enforcement.
“Kami hanya sampai di sana dan melihat,” katanya.
Solution For the ongoing conflict between miners and indigenous communities requires a multifaceted approach. This includes not only legal reforms but also community engagement and education. The government has taken steps to recognize the rights of indigenous peoples, but the execution of these policies remains inconsistent. The example of Wilayah Adat Bau illustrates the urgent need for a unified solution that addresses both economic and environmental concerns.
