Illegal Gold Miner in Central Lombok Dies, Suspected of Running Out of Oxygen

A man with the initials HJ (50), a resident of Sekotong Subdistrict, West Lombok, was found dead while conducting illegal gold mining activities in the Pengolong Mountain area, Areguling Hamlet, Tumpak Village, Pujut Subdistrict, Central Lombok, on Wednesday night (18/3/2026). The victim is believed to have died from a lack of oxygen.

“It is true (the incident happened) last night the team already went to the scene (crime scene). He died at the mining site, suspected of suffocating while digging rocks with his colleagues,” said the Head of Mandalika Area Police Sector, Iptu Kadek Angga Nambara, to detikBali on Thursday (19/3/2026).

Angga stated that based on witness statements at the scene, the victim arrived with four colleagues from West Lombok to carry out mining.

“But while working, the victim suddenly complained of tightness in his chest and upper stomach, then the victim died on the spot,” he said.

After the incident, the victim’s colleagues immediately evacuated the body and took it home to the mourning house using a four-wheeled vehicle. Angga mentioned that from the information obtained, the victim was known to have a history of shortness of breath.

“And that illness is suspected to have recurred while carrying out heavy activities at the mining site,” he emphasised.

Angga explained that the mining location is private land. Previously, on Monday (9/3/2026), the landowner along with the Tipiter Unit of the Central Lombok Resort Police Criminal Investigation Unit had attempted to close and fill the mining area using heavy equipment.

“However, in the last two weeks, the location has again been crowded with locals coming to carry out illegal mining activities,” he revealed.

Angga urged the public not to engage in illegal mining activities because, in addition to being against the law, they also pose a high risk to personal safety. On the other hand, his side will coordinate with relevant stakeholders to discuss further.

“This incident serves as a reminder that unlicensed mining activities not only impact environmental damage but can also endanger the safety of the miners,” he concluded.