Bareskrim Arrests Four Foreign Nationals in Illegal Mining Case in Papua's Forests

The operation took place from Friday to Tuesday, 22-26 May 2026, within the jurisdiction of Papua Police. The four foreign nationals apprehended are identified by the initials LH, LL, FW, and PJ.

Brigadier General Edy Suranta Sitepu, Chief of the Supervision Unit for PPNS at Bareskrim Polri, stated that his office provided assistance to the PPNS of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry during the arrest process. The suspects are now in custody.

Brig Gen Edy explained that the suspects are suspected of bringing heavy machinery allegedly used for illegal mining in forest areas without permits. They are also suspected of conducting mining activities without the necessary business permits from the central government.

During the arrest, officers presented arrest warrants to each suspect, which were read out in Mandarin by an interpreter.

However, the four suspects refused to sign the arrest warrants and the arrest reports. Officers then documented the refusal in accordance with procedure.

Subsequently, the suspects underwent detention procedures. A team from Bareskrim Polri’s Supervision Unit for PPNS, alongside PPNS of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, monitored the suspects at Biak Class II Immigration Office.

“Further detention proceedings are being conducted with close monitoring by PPNS of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry at Biak Class II Immigration Office,” he concluded.