ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has formally charged four Chinese nationals in connection with an illegal gold mining operation inside a protected forest area in Nabire, Central Papua, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to combat environmental crimes and safeguard the country’s natural resources.
The four suspects, identified by their initials LH, LL, FW, and PJ, were named following an investigation into unauthorized mining activities in the KM 95 forest area of Nabire Regency.
According to Rudianto Saragih Napitu, Director of Forestry Crime Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry, authorities uncovered strong evidence during an operation conducted by the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH) Halilintar in early May 2026.
The operation revealed 10 excavators allegedly used for illegal mining activities, along with approximately 199.9 hectares of forest land that had been cleared.
“The operation at KM 95 Nabire uncovered heavy equipment, forest clearing, workers, and indications of unauthorized gold mining activities within a forest area. Following the arrest and detention of the four suspects, investigators strengthened the case through witness examinations, evidence analysis, digital forensic investigations, and mining experts’ assessments,” Rudianto said.
The Ministry’s Directorate General of Law Enforcement is also coordinating with Indonesia’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) and other relevant agencies to investigate possible links to financiers, operators, or other parties involved in managing and profiting from the illegal mining operation.
The suspects were formally charged after investigators completed witness interviews, examined physical evidence, and conducted case reviews involving the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency and the Attorney General’s Office. The four men were detained on May 24 and placed in custody in Biak.
Under Indonesia’s Law No. 18 of 2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, the suspects face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to Rp10 billion (approximately US$600,000).
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho said the case demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that Indonesia’s natural resources are managed legally and for the benefit of its people.
“The detention of these four suspects sends a clear message that the state is committed to protecting Indonesia’s natural wealth through the rule of law, ensuring it benefits the public and is not exploited through illegal activities,” he said.
The case has once again highlighted the growing threat posed by illegal mining in Papua’s vast forest ecosystems. Beyond causing extensive environmental degradation, unauthorized mining operations can deprive the state of revenue and undermine the economic benefits that should be enjoyed by local communities and future generations. (AT Network)
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