The Woyla River serves as a highly strategic ecological and economic lifeline in West Aceh Regency. This river is an integral part of the Woyla-Bateue River Basin (WS), which has been designated a national strategic area.
The Woyla River traverses several districts in West Aceh, stretching from Sungai Mas upstream, through the Woyla District in the midstream area, down to the downstream region in West Aceh.
The management and protection of this river fall under the authority of the Central Government, specifically through the Sumatra I River Basin Center (BWS). Meanwhile, water quality monitoring oversight is managed by the Environmental and Forestry Services (DLHK) of West Aceh Regency and Aceh Province.
In September 2025, public resistance against the gold mining operations of PT. Magellanic Garuda Kencana (MGK) in the Woyla River intensified significantly. Local residents from East Woyla and Woyla Districts engaged in various protest actions, ranging from demonstrations at the mining site to public hearings at the West Aceh Regional House of Representatives (DPRK).
Responding to the public protests, the West Aceh DPRK issued a recommendation letter to the Regent of West Aceh calling for the temporary suspension of PT. MGK’s operations due to SOP violations, missing documents, and incomplete technical recommendations (Rekomtek).
However, the Regent remains unmoved. To date, the West Aceh Regency Government has not issued any recommendation to temporarily halt PT. MGK’s operations.
PT. MGK, which reportedly holds an official permit valid from 2012 to 2032, continues to operate to this day. According to data from the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Office of Aceh Province, PT. MGK holds a Mining Business License (IUP) covering an area of 3,250 hectares.
The Aceh Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office (DPMPTSP) has issued an ultimatum to PT MGK to comply with operational regulations following findings of procedural non-compliance.
Meanwhile, PT. MGK management maintains that they continue to operate strictly according to the law, reject unilateral pressure, and hope for a synchronized understanding of regulations so that the investment climate is not adversely affected.
PT MGK claims to have secured its Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) for 2025–2027. The company also stated that it consistently coordinates with relevant agencies to refine administrative compliance.
In the meantime, community members united under the Krueng Woyla Savior Community Alliance (AMPKW) continue to press both the West Aceh Regency Government and the Aceh Provincial Government to immediately cease PT. MGK’s operations.
Residents argue that in-stream mining activities in the Woyla River have caused severe ecological and social damage. Reports indicate that primary impacts include water pollution, landscape degradation, and socio-economic disruptions.
Large-scale dredging within the riverbed using heavy equipment is believed to have diverted natural river currents and caused shallowing at several points.
Another pressing issue is the accumulation of dredged sand and materials along the riverbanks, leading to severe riverbank erosion. This mining activity also destroys soil structure, heightening the risk of floods and landslides.
Mining activities also threaten to destroy the Watershed Area (DAS) and its surrounding ecosystems, imperiling local flora and fauna. Furthermore, it has led to reduced fish catches for river fishermen and severely restricted access to clean water for nearby residents.
The company denies all allegations of damage and pollution in the Woyla River.
PT. MGK refuted the claims made by the community, stating that certain opposing groups alleging environmental damage due to PT. MGK’s mining operations simply lack an understanding of environmental science. ***
