15 Chinese Nationals Mining Gold in Mount Botak, Buru Island, Without Work Permits

Fifteen foreign nationals from China working in the gold mining area of Mount Botak, Buru Regency, Maluku, are at risk of deportation after it was discovered that they only hold visit stay permits.

“If their arrival does not bring benefits and does not meet the requirements, we will certainly deport them,” said the Head of the Ambon Class I TPI Immigration Office, Eben Rifqi Taufan, in Ambon on Monday (11/5).

He stated that immigration is still conducting intensive examinations on a total of 24 Chinese nationals secured in the mining area.

Of that number, nine individuals have limited stay permits or ITAS that meet immigration requirements, including work recommendations from the Ministry of Manpower.

Meanwhile, the other 15 Chinese nationals are known to only hold visit stay permits, making their status and activities the focus of immigration’s in-depth investigation.

“Holders of visit stay permits are still being investigated regarding the purpose of their arrival and the activities they carry out at the mining site,” he said.

He explained that the examination is being carried out cross-sectorally, involving the Directorate General of Immigration, TNI, Police, and the Prosecutor’s Office, to investigate the legality of mining activities and the presence of foreign workers in Mount Botak.

Eben added that the presence of foreign workers will also be reviewed together with relevant agencies, including regarding labour needs and the benefits of their presence for the region.

“If those jobs can actually be done by local workers, this will certainly be considered together with relevant agencies,” he said.

Maluku Immigration through the Ambon Immigration UPT is also strengthening coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to investigate the legality of the company and exploration activities involving foreign nationals in the Mount Botak area.

“We and ESDM certainly support each other to investigate the intent of their presence and activities in Indonesia, especially in Mount Botak,” he said.

He emphasised that supervision of the presence and activities of foreign nationals in the Maluku region will continue to be tightened, particularly in mining areas that are a concern for the government.