Manokwari, W Papua, Oct. 4 -- Indigenous communities in Wasirawi Subdistrict, along with the Manokwari district government and West Papua police, have agreed to suspend illegal gold mining until official permits are issued by the central government.

The agreement was signed Friday in a joint declaration on the control of unlicensed mining (PETI) at the Manokwari district head's office.

"The moratorium will last up to one year or until legal mining permits are granted," said Manokwari District Head Hermus Indou.

He said both provincial and district governments are urging Jakarta to accelerate the issuance of community mining licenses to allow legal, regulated operations.

Once licensed, mining can resume under state oversight, ensuring ...