Illegal Gold Mine Operators in Lampung Earn an Estimated Rp2.8 Billion Daily, 14 Arrested

Jakarta – Lampung Regional Police have uncovered illegal gold mining operations in Way Kanan District, Lampung Province, that are reportedly generating profits of up to Rp2.8 billion per day. In an enforcement operation, authorities apprehended 24 individuals, with 14 subsequently designated as suspects and 10 remaining as witnesses under further investigation.

Lampung Police Chief Inspector General Helfi Assegaf stated that the enforcement action was conducted on Sunday, 8 March 2026, at multiple illegal gold mining sites located within PTPN VII regional plantation areas in Blambangan Umpu District, Way Kanan Regency.

“From our examination, 14 individuals have been designated as suspects, whilst 10 others remain as witnesses and are undergoing further investigation,” Assegaf said in a written statement released on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

The enforcement operation targeted seven locations within Blambangan Umpu District, situated within the cultivation rights area of PTPN VII plantation lands, including areas along the Trans-Sumatran Highway near Sungai Betih, Lembasung Village, the Martapura Highway at kilometre markers 6 and 9 in Blambangan Umpu, and several points along the Sungai Betih riverbank.

Preliminary investigation findings indicate that the illegal mining activities have been operating for approximately 1.5 years across an area of roughly 200 hectares. Based on estimated production potential, the operation generates substantial profits.

Assegaf detailed the calculations, stating that with each machine producing approximately five grammes of gold daily and an estimated 315 machines in operation, total daily production is estimated at 1,575 grammes of gold.

“With gold prices at approximately Rp1.8 million per gramme, the gross revenue potential from these illegal activities could reach around Rp2.8 billion per day, or Rp73.7 billion per month,” he explained.

Overall, the estimated state losses resulting from these illegal mining practices exceed Rp1.3 trillion. The suspects face charges under Article 158 in conjunction with Article 35 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Minerals and Coal, which carries maximum penalties of five years imprisonment and/or fines up to Rp100 billion.