Four Chinese Nationals Detained for Illegal Gold Mining in Nabire

Four Chinese nationals have been officially detained as suspects in an illegal gold mining case in the Restricted Production Forest area at KM 95, Nabire Regency, Central Papua. The four individuals, identified as LH, LL, FW, and PJ, were arrested by the Ministry of Forestry’s Law Enforcement Agency (PPNS) in coordination with Bareskrim of the Indonesian National Police on 24 May 2026 and are currently held at Biak Police Station. A Satgas PKH Halilintar operation previously uncovered 10 pieces of heavy machinery, including excavators and wheel loaders, and 199.9 hectares of deforested land due to illegal mining activities. Following witness statements, evidence investigation, and a case review with Bareskrim and the Attorney General’s Office, investigators have formally charged the four foreign nationals. Director of Forestry Criminal Enforcement Rudianto Saragih Napitu stated that the investigation does not stop at arrests but aims to dismantle the entire illegal operation from source to end. ‘Heavy machinery, logistics, command chains, financing, and proceeds must be viewed as a single chain. For financial transactions, we are coordinating with PPATK and relevant authorities to investigate possible involvement of others controlling, funding, or benefiting from the illegal activities,’ Rudianto said on Thursday (28 May). Investigators are currently finalising digital forensics and mining expert examinations and preparing to submit the first phase of the case file to the Attorney General’s Office. The seizure of heavy machinery has been approved by the Nabire District Court. Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho emphasised that this case reflects a serious threat to Papua’s natural resource management, which has long been vulnerable to illegal exploitation. ‘Such illegal activities damage the environment, divert natural wealth from proper management, and risk reducing state revenue and economic benefits that should reach local communities. The detention of these four suspects underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring Indonesia’s natural resources are managed lawfully, benefit the people, and are not destroyed by illegal practices,’ Dwi stated. The suspects face charges under Law No. 18 of 2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, regarding the prohibition of using heavy machinery and mining in forest areas without permits. They could face imprisonment of three to 15 years and fines between Rp1.5 billion and Rp10 billion.