Bareskrim Designates Sultra Kadin Chairman as Suspect in Illegal Nickel Mining Case

Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Directorate (Bareskrim) of the National Police has designated Kadin Sultra Chairman Anton Timbang as a suspect in an illegal nickel mining case in South East Sulawesi (Sultra).

Brigadier General Moh Irhamni, Director of Certain Criminal Acts at Bareskrim Polri, stated that Anton is suspected of conducting mining activities in a forest area without authorisation. He explained that the illegal mining operation was carried out through PT Masempo Dalle, where Anton serves as Director. Irhamni specified that the mining site is located in Morombo Pantai Village, Lasolo Kepulauan, North Konawe, Sultra.

“Based on investigation results, soil and nickel excavation activities were found outside of applicable permits,” he stated in a written statement on Monday (16 March).

Irhamni explained that during investigators’ examination of Anton’s company, it could not produce valid documentation of a Mining Business Licence (IUP) for the operational area in question. Consequently, all mining activities at the site have been halted and evidence has been seized by investigators.

Besides Anton, Irhamni stated that the temporary Head of Mining Engineering at PT Masempo Dalle, M. Sanggoleo W.W., has also been designated as a suspect.

“Enforcement action is being taken based on Police Report Number: LP/A/114/XII/2025/SPKT.DITTIPIDTER/BARESKRIM POLRI dated 4 December 2025,” he said.

In this case, a total of 27 witnesses have been examined by Bareskrim. Seized evidence includes four dump trucks, three excavator units, and one truck logbook related to the case.

Irhamni further stated that investigators continue to conduct investigations to develop the illegal mining case in the Sultra region.

Both suspects have been charged under Article 158 in conjunction with Article 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mining and Minerals, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a fine of 100 billion rupiah.

“This action represents the National Police’s commitment to protecting the nation’s natural resources from illegal mining practices for the sake of environmental preservation and legal justice in Indonesia,” he concluded.