Bareskrim suspends mining operations near residential area in South Konawe Regency

The Bareskrim Police’s Special Crime Directorate has temporarily halted all operations on the land owned by PT Wijaya Inti Nusantara (WIN) in Torobulu Village, Laeya District, South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, on Saturday. Director of Special Crime Directorate Bareskrim Polri Brigadier General Moh. Irhamni stated the temporary halt, or status quo, was implemented following community reports regarding concerns over social impacts and resident safety. ‘We went to Torobulu to follow up on community reports. After checking, PT WIN does hold a valid Mining Business Licence (IUP) and Work and Budget Plan (RKAB) until March,’ said Irhamni. Bareskrim Polri, in conjunction with the South Konawe Regency government, has decided to halt all activities at the site effective immediately. Irhamni emphasised that if nickel reserves are found and the company wishes to resume operations, residents must first be relocated. Conversely, if no nickel reserves are found, the status quo will remain indefinitely. He also urged the public to report suspected illegal activities to law enforcement authorities without taking actions that could disrupt public order. ‘Residents’ safety is the top priority,’ he added. At the same location, PT WIN’s General Manager Nuriman said the company’s activities were not nickel mining but facility works for the local community. He stated the materials on site did not contain nickel but were other types of soil such as cement, gravel, and clay. He explained the company’s operations included providing clean water sources, levelling residential land, constructing well rings, backfilling excavation pits, and building flood mitigation access roads. Nuriman stated the company respects the law enforcement authorities’ decision to impose the status quo at the site. ‘As this was never a mining operation and the intention was purely to assist residents, we have no issue with the status quo,’ Nuriman explained.