<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the impact of Illegal Gold Mining (PETI) activities on the degradation of river water quality and aquatic environmental ecosystems. Illegal mining activities carried out without official permits and proper waste management are considered one of the main causes of river pollution, especially through increasing Total Suspended Solid (TSS) concentrations, water turbidity, and changes in the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water bodies. This study used a normative juridical method with a library research approach. Data were obtained from primary legal materials in the form of laws and regulations related to environmental protection, as well as secondary legal materials derived from books, scientific journals, and relevant previous studies. Data analysis was conducted descriptively and qualitatively by examining the impact of illegal gold mining activities on river water quality based on existing literature. The results showed that illegal gold mining activities cause increased TSS levels, higher water turbidity, and changes in water color into yellowish-brown due to untreated mining waste disposal into rivers. In addition, the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury potentially pollutes the environment and disrupts aquatic ecosystems, including fish and phytoplankton. Therefore, stricter supervision, law enforcement, and sustainable environmental management are necessary to prevent further environmental degradation.]]>
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