Indonesian Police Dismantle Illegal Gold and Antimony Mining Operations in Bombana, South Sulawesi

Jakarta — The Directorate of Special Crimes (Dittipidter) of the Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Division (Bareskrim), in coordination with the Bombana Police Resort, has successfully dismantled illegal gold mining and antimony mineral extraction sites in Bombana, South Sulawesi.

Senior Assistant of Dittipidter Bareskrim Polri, Police Commissioner Sardo Sibarani, stated in Jakarta on Monday that the operation was conducted on Friday, 6 March, as part of the investigation stage.

For the first site, investigators visited an illegal gold mining operation in Wumbubangka Village, Rarowatu Sub-district, Bombana Regency. “The operation allegedly took place within the Mining Business Licence (IUP) area of PT AABI/PLM,” he said.

From this location, authorities confiscated equipment used for illegal mining operations, including a Dongfeng diesel engine and two water-pumping machines, along with materials. Additionally, four witnesses were secured and interrogated for further investigation.

“Investigators are developing leads, with evidence suggesting that the operation was managed by an individual identified as N,” Sibarani added.

On the same day, investigators also secured a warehouse storing antimony ore allegedly sourced from illegal mining operations in Lameroro Village, Rumbia Sub-district, Bombana Regency. Approximately 20 tonnes of antimony ore stored in sacks were recovered from the location.

“The antimony ore could not be traced to a legitimate source,” he stated.

Four individuals were apprehended from the warehouse. For the next phase, investigators will interrogate witnesses to develop the case further.

Sibarani indicated that the suspects in this case will face charges under Article 158 of the Mining Law regarding unlicensed mining operations and Article 161 of the Mining Law, with potential sentences of 5 years imprisonment and fines of up to 100 billion rupiah.