Nabire, Central Papua – Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) has named four Chinese nationals as suspects in an alleged illegal gold mining operation conducted within the KM 95 forest area of Nabire Regency, Central Papua.
Director of Forestry Criminal Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry, Rudianto Saragih Napitu, identified the four suspects by their initials as LH, LL, FW, and PJ. The suspects were named following an extensive investigation involving witness examinations, evidence analysis, and assessments conducted by digital forensic and mining experts.
The case stems from a forest security operation carried out by the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (PKH) Halilintar in early May 2026. During the operation, authorities discovered at least ten heavy equipment units allegedly used for illegal gold mining activities, along with approximately 199.9 hectares of forest land that had been cleared.
“Findings at the site indicated activities leading to unauthorized gold mining practices within the forest area. Investigators are continuing to strengthen the legal case in order to identify all parties involved in the operation,” Rudianto stated.
In addition to the ongoing investigation, the Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement is coordinating with Indonesia’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) and other relevant agencies to examine possible involvement of additional parties in financing, controlling, or profiting from the illegal activities.
The four suspects were formally detained following a case review involving investigators from the Ministry’s Law Enforcement Directorate, the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri), and the Attorney General’s Office. They are currently being held at Biak Police Resort (Polres Biak) while legal proceedings continue.
The suspects have been charged under Law No. 18 of 2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction. If convicted, they face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and fines of up to Rp10 billion.
Meanwhile, Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, emphasized that the enforcement action reflects the government’s commitment to protecting forest areas from unlawful exploitation of natural resources.
According to him, illegal mining activities not only cause environmental degradation but also have the potential to reduce state revenue and undermine the economic benefits that should rightfully be enjoyed by local communities.
“This law enforcement action demonstrates the state’s commitment to safeguarding Indonesia’s natural resources, ensuring they are managed responsibly for the benefit of the people, and preventing their exploitation through illegal activities,” he said.
