{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1715536,
        "msgid": "pkh-task-force-cracks-down-on-illegal-gold-mine-in-maluku-arrests-16-chinese-nationals-1777856024",
        "date": "2026-05-04 06:03:46",
        "title": "PKH Task Force Cracks Down on Illegal Gold Mine in Maluku, Arrests 16 Chinese Nationals",
        "author": "Jessi Carina",
        "source": "KOMPAS",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Mining",
        "summary": "The PKH Task Force, in collaboration with the XV\/Pattimura Military Regional Command, conducted an integrated operation from 27 April to 14 May 2026 to dismantle illegal gold mining activities at Gunung Botak on Buru Island, Maluku, resulting in the arrest of 16 Chinese nationals and the discovery of associated prostitution and alcohol sales. Prior to the operation, TNI Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Richard Tampubolon inspected the site aerially on 13 April 2026. The authorities have committed to rehabilitating the area to shift resource management to legal channels, enhancing local revenue and community welfare while addressing broader threats to the economy and environment.",
        "content": "<p>JAKARTA - The Forest Area Regulation Task Force (Satgas PKH) and the\nXV\/Pattimura Military Regional Command have cracked down on unlicensed\ngold mining activities (PETI) in the Gunung Botak area on Buru Island,\nMaluku, through an integrated operation from 27 April to 14 May 2026.\nAccording to a TNI Information Centre press release, prior to the\noperation, on 13 April 2026, the TNI Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant\nGeneral Richard Tampubolon, along with the PKH Task Force, conducted an\naerial inspection of the Gunung Botak PETI site as an initial handling\nstep. Subsequently, the Maluku Provincial Integrated Team, reinforced by\ncombat units, combat support, and territorial units from the\nXV\/Pattimura Kodam on Buru and Ambon Islands, immediately took action at\nthe location. During the evacuation, the team secured 16 foreign\nnationals from China. Additionally, the team found evidence of\nprostitution practices and the sale of alcoholic beverages. \u201cAll those\nforeign nationals have been handed over to immigration authorities,\u201d he\nsaid. Nevertheless, Doddy did not provide detailed explanations of the\nroles of the 16 Chinese foreign nationals. However, he assessed that\nthis constitutes a serious threat if left unchecked, as it not only\nimpacts the economy. He added that following the crackdown, his side,\ntogether with the Maluku Provincial Government apparatus, is committed\nto reorganising the Gunung Botak area as an effort to save natural\nresource assets from illegal exploitation that causes damage. \u201cThe TNI\nis present to escort local government policies so that natural resource\nmanagement can shift to official channels, thereby providing real\ncontributions to Regional Original Revenue (PAD) and the legal welfare\nof the Maluku community,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pkh-task-force-cracks-down-on-illegal-gold-mine-in-maluku-arrests-16-chinese-nationals-1777856024",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}