2 Chinese Nationals Arrested for Illegal Mining in Sulawesi
2 Chinese Nationals Arrested for Illegal Mining in Sulawesi
Reporter
September 2, 2026 | 11:20 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Forestry, through the Law Enforcement Center for Forestry in Sulawesi, named two Chinese nationals, CXY and XXL, suspects in unauthorized gold mining activities (PETI). The illegal mining site sits within the Limited Production Forest (HPT) area of Sungai Ongkag, Bolaang Mongondow Regency, North Sulawesi.
Both men were named suspects on Friday, August 28, 2026. XXL allegedly served as a field supervisor, while CXY coordinated the illegal mining operations. Investigators also gathered evidence from digital forensic experts who uncovered a record of fund transactions through a bank account under CXY’s name.
“The transactions are suspected of funding worker wages, equipment rentals, and the purchase of materials for gold processing,” said Ali Bahri, Head of the Law Enforcement Center for Forestry in Sulawesi, in a statement on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Ali explained that the case stems from a Forestry Security Operation conducted by the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for Forest Management Units (KPH) Unit I Bolaang Mongondow and Bolaang Mongondow Utara on July 10, 2026, in the HPT Sungai Ongkag area. Officers discovered indications of illegal gold mining, including gold soaking vats and supporting equipment.
At the scene, officers arrested CXY, who failed to present valid mining permits. Days later, on July 18, 2026, officers detained XXL at the same location.
“Both suspects were handed over to the Manado Region III Section Office under the Law Enforcement Center for Forestry in Sulawesi for further investigation,” Ali said.
According to Ali, digital forensic evidence helped investigators trace CXY’s involvement through his account transaction records. These records revealed incoming and outgoing funds tied to operational costs for the illegal mining, including worker salaries, equipment rentals, and material purchases.
Based on interrogations and case presentations, both suspects were charged under Law No. 6/2023 on the Enactment of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law No. 2/2022 on Job Creation. “They face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp7.5 billion,” he said.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho emphasized that forest areas must be guarded against illegal mining activities that exploit natural resources without authorization. He noted that illegal mining in forest zones damages the environment while depriving local communities and the state of proper benefits.
He stated that the government will not allow illegal activities to create unfair competition for law-abiding businesses. “Therefore, our law enforcement efforts aim to stop environmental destruction, protect community interests, safeguard state revenue, and ensure orderly and fair natural resource management,” Januanto said.
The Ministry of Forestry, he added, continues to strengthen forest security against illegal mining by stepping up enforcement and coordination with regional governments, forest management units, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant parties.
Read: Gold Leakage in a Mining Nation
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