Bareskrim Investigates Alleged Illegal Mining in South Konawe; No Violations Found

A field inspection and clarification exercise have been conducted regarding viral social media reports concerning alleged illegal mining activities by PT Wijaya Inti Nusantara (WIN) in South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, stated Brigadier General Irhamni in a statement on Tuesday (2/6/2026).

Irhamni noted that the authorities sought statements from the company, the local district government, the environmental agency, and village officials, alongside direct on-site inspections. However, no mining practices violating regulations were discovered.

“From the results of the field verification, no mining activities were found outside the mining permit (IUP) area, nor were there any production activities that contravene existing laws and regulations,” he revealed.

Irhamni explained that the activities previously under scrutiny were actually carried out at the request of the local community. According to community statements, these activities were intended to facilitate access to the local public port.

“The activities conducted by PT Wijaya Inti Nusantara remain within the valid IUP area, while some of the disputed activities were a form of company assistance to the community following requests from local residents,” he explained.

Despite finding no regulatory violations, Bareskrim has taken anticipatory measures. For the time being, the location that had gone viral has been placed under ‘status quo’, meaning no activities are permitted.

“Should the company wish to carry out activities at that location, they must relocate the residential housing situated in the surrounding area,” Irhamni added.