Four Chinese Nationals Named Suspects in Illegal Gold Mining Case in Nabire
The Ministry of Forestry has named four Chinese nationals as suspects in an illegal gold mining case (PETI) at the KM 95 forest area in Nabire District, Central Papua.
In a statement confirmed from Jakarta on Thursday, Kemenhut’s Director of Forestry Criminal Enforcement, Rudianto Saragih Napitu, said the four Chinese nationals are identified by initials LH, LL, FW, and PJ.
They were named suspects as part of the Halilintar Forest Enforcement Task Force (PKH) operation, which previously discovered 10 heavy machinery units and 199.9 hectares of cleared forest land at the site in early May 2026.
“Operation of the PKH task force at KM 95 Nabire uncovered initial evidence of heavy machinery, cleared forest areas, workers, and suspected illegal gold mining within the protected forest zone. After the four suspects were arrested and detained, investigators strengthened the case through witness testimonies, evidence collection, digital forensics experts, and mining specialists,” said Rudianto.
Additionally, the Ministry’s Law Enforcement Directorate (Gakkum) has coordinated with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) and relevant agencies to investigate possible involvement of others in controlling operations, financing, and profiting from the illegal activities.
The suspects were formally charged following witness examinations, evidence deepening, and case review by Gakkum investigators alongside the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) and the Attorney General’s Office. The four Chinese nationals were detained on Sunday, 24 May, and held at Biak Police Resort.
They face charges under Law No. 18 of 2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to Rp10 billion.
Gakkum Director General Dwi Januanto Nugroho reiterated in a statement that the enforcement action in Nabire was due to suspected illegal gold mining in the forest area. Such illegal activities damage the environment, divert natural resources from proper management, and risk reducing state revenue and economic benefits intended for local communities.