Bareskrim Cracks Down on Illegal Nickel Mining in North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi

JAKARTA — The Directorate of Special Crime (Dirtipidter) of the Indonesian National Police’s Special Crime Directorate (Bareskrim Polri) has taken action against illegal nickel mining activities in Morombo Pantai Village, Lasolo Kepulauan District, North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi.

Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni, head of Bareskrim’s Special Crime Directorate, stated that the mining operation was conducted in a forest area without authorisation. “Based on investigative findings, activities of unauthorised soil and nickel extraction were discovered. During inspection, the company failed to present a valid Mining Business Licence (Izin Usaha Pertambangan — IUP) for the operational area,” Irhamni said in a statement received on Monday, 16 March 2026.

“Law enforcement has been reasserted in the North Morowali region. Bareskrim’s Special Crime Directorate has officially taken action against illegal mining activities involving PT Masempo Dalle,” Irhamni added.

Prior to enforcement action, investigators examined 27 witnesses. From the examination and crime scene investigation, illegal nickel mining activities involving PT Masempo Dalle were identified.

Irhamni explained that the suspects have been charged under Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining. Article 158 applies to mining without a licence, carrying a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine of up to 100 billion rupiah. Additionally, Article 161 was applied regarding the management of illegal mining products.

In this case, police seized four dump trucks, three heavy excavator units, and one logbook. Investigators continue developing the investigation to uncover illegal mining practices in Southeast Sulawesi.

“This step represents the National Police’s commitment to protecting the nation’s natural wealth from illegal mining practices for environmental sustainability and legal justice in Indonesia,” he said.