Forestry Ministry Shuts Down Illegal Gold Mine in North Sulawesi Forest, Two Named Suspects

The Ministry of Forestry has stopped an unlicensed gold mining activity taking place in the Mobungayom Limited Production Forest area, Bolaang Mongondow Regency, North Sulawesi. The enforcement operation was carried out by the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency for the Sulawesi region, together with the Kotamobagu Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Mobile Brigade Corps, and forestry police from the Forest Management Unit of South Bolaang Mongondow. It followed a public report regarding suspected illegal gold mining within the forest area. After verifying the information, the joint team immediately moved to the location. Upon arrival, officers found mining activity still in progress, with an excavator digging up material and several workers present. The team halted all activity and detained five individuals: MAS, the excavator operator; APM, a helper; SH, the person in charge of the activity; RL, a supervisor; and NM, a logistics coordinator. The excavator was also seized for investigation purposes. Following the investigation and case review, MAS and SH were named as suspects. The investigation is being further developed to uncover the suspected involvement of other parties, including the owner of the heavy equipment, investors, and those who may have given the orders. Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, stressed that law enforcement against illegal activities in forest areas is part of the effort to preserve the ecosystem and prevent environmental damage. He stated that maintaining the sustainability of forest ecosystems is a shared responsibility, and the ministry continues to strengthen prevention, supervision, and law enforcement against all illegal activities in forest areas. He added that law enforcement aims not only to stop ongoing violations but also to ensure that forest areas continue to perform their ecological functions and to create a deterrent effect so that similar crimes do not recur. Collaboration between the government, law enforcement agencies, and the community is key to preserving forests for current and future generations.