<![CDATA[Most studies on illegal mining in Indonesia still focus on normative aspects, such as the Mineral and Coal Law and environmental regulations, while the empirical dimensions on the ground remain under-explored. Illegal mining practices in Juriya Village, Bilato Subdistrict, Gorontalo Regency give rise to legal, social, and environmental issues. Activities conducted without official permits damage ecosystems, threaten public safety, and result in losses to the state due to lost revenue from the mining sector. This study employs an empirical-legal approach by analyzing regulations and conducting interviews and observations with police officers, local government officials, and affected communities. The results show that although the legal framework is clear, economic factors are the primary driver behind the community’s continued engagement in illegal mining, as it is perceived to yield quicker returns. Law enforcement is primarily carried out through preventive and persuasive approaches such as legal outreach and capacity-building rather than repressive measures. The main obstacles include weak oversight, limited resources among law enforcement officials, and the community’s socioeconomic conditions. This study underscores the need for a more assertive law enforcement strategy, cross-sectoral collaboration, and community empowerment to ensure that efforts to combat illegal mining are effective and sustainable]]>
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