Forest Area Task Force Seals Nickel Mining Operations in North Maluku Forest Zone

The Forest Area Task Force (Satgas PKH) has sealed nickel mining operations allegedly operating illegally in the forest area of North Maluku. The enforcement action was carried out as an effort to regulate and reclaim the forest zone on behalf of the state.

Satgas PKH spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak confirmed the sealing. He stated that the team discovered alleged unauthorised processing of the forest area, prompting enforcement measures to be taken.

“The Satgas team is conducting enforcement against illegal or unauthorised forest area processing across Indonesia, including in North Maluku,” Barita told journalists on Friday (27 February 2026).

The sealed mining operation was identified as an operational area belonging to a company with the initials MT. Barita explained that the enforcement carried out by Satgas PKH includes reclamation of the area, collection of administrative fines, and asset recovery. Reclamation is conducted through the installation of signage indicating that the area has been brought under state control through the Satgas.

According to him, the Satgas operates in a measured, accountable, and transparent manner based on Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 5 of 2025 on Forest Area Enforcement and other legal provisions. Currently, verification of alleged violations continues to be conducted intensively in the field.

He stressed that Satgas PKH will take action against any violations to protect the forest area whilst safeguarding business operators who function in accordance with regulations.

“Enforcement action as part of Satgas authority will be conducted carefully, cautiously, and professionally,” Barita said.