Bareskrim to Summon Sultra Kadin Chairman, Suspect in Illegal Mining Case Next Week

The Directorate of Specific Criminal Acts (Dittipidter) of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) has named Anton Timbang (AT), Director of PT Masempo Dalle, as a suspect in the illegal nickel mining case in North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi. Investigators have scheduled an examination of AT for next week.

“The examination of AT has been scheduled. Summons next week,” said the Head of Dittipidter Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni, to reporters on Thursday (9/4/2026).

However, Irhamni did not detail the specific day and date of the summons for the Chairman of the Southeast Sulawesi Chamber of Commerce. He only stated that the summons has been scheduled for next week.

“Next week,” he said briefly.

It was previously reported that Bareskrim Polri cracked down on illegal nickel mining activities in the Morombo Pantai Village area, North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi. Two individuals have been designated as suspects in this case.

The Head of Dittipidter Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni, stated that the nickel mine operated in a forest area located in a zone without permits. The crackdown was based on police report number LP/A/114/XII/2025/SPKT.DITTIPIDTER/BARESKRIM POLRI dated 4 December 2025.

“Based on investigation results, activities of soil excavation and nickel extraction were found outside the valid permits. During the examination, the company failed to show valid Mining Business Permits (IUP) for the operational area,” said Irhamni in his statement on Monday (16/3/2026).

Therefore, the police halted all activities at the site. From there, investigators also seized several pieces of evidence.

“The police also seized four dump trucks, three heavy equipment excavators, and one route logbook in this case,” said Irhamni.

In addition, investigators examined 27 witnesses. The results of the examinations and crime scene processing indicated illegal nickel mining activities involving PT Masempo Dalle.

“Bareskrim has designated AT as the Director of PT Masempo Dalle and MSW as the acting Director/Deputy Director of PT Masempo Dalle as suspects,” emphasised Irhamni.