Kemenhut Detains Four Chinese Nationals in Illegal Gold Mining Case in Nabire Forest

The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut), through its Directorate General of Forest Law Enforcement, has detained four suspects in a case of alleged Illegal Gold Mining (PETI) in the KM 95 forest area of Nabire Regency, Central Papua. Four suspects are Chinese nationals with initials LH, LL, FW, and PJ. The detention follows a forest security operation by the Halilintar PKH Task Force, which previously discovered 10 heavy machinery units and approximately 199.9 hectares of cleared forest at the site. This development underscores that the Nabire case is progressing beyond on-site security measures to investigation and criminal accountability. Director General of Forest Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho stated that Papua’s vast natural resources must be managed to genuinely benefit local communities through lawful, fair, and responsible means. In the Nabire case, he added, the focus is on alleged illegal gold mining within forest areas. Such unlawful 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 the four suspects underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring Indonesia’s natural wealth is managed legally, benefits the people, and is not destroyed by illegal practices,’ Januanto stressed on Thursday (28 May). Januanto added that forest conservation requires collective effort from all segments of society. ‘Forest conservation cannot be the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Forestry. Indonesia’s forests are too vast and too vital to be protected by one institution alone. We call on communities, traditional leaders, religious figures, youth, local governments, law enforcement, businesses, and all societal elements to work together in safeguarding the forests. Preserving natural heritage means protecting water, life, the future, and the nation’s civilisation,’ he said. He stressed that handling the Nabire PETI case is part of broader efforts to reclaim forest areas and improve natural resource management. Through the Directorate General of Forest Law Enforcement and the PKH Task Force, the ministry is strengthening forest control, enforcing laws against illegal activities, and coordinating with Bareskrim Polri’s Oversight Unit, the Attorney General’s Office, PPATK, and relevant agencies according to their mandates. ‘These steps aim to ensure forests are not illegally exploited, natural wealth is managed through lawful and fair means, and benefits are maximised for the people,’ he added. The case began with a forest security operation by the Halilintar PKH Task Force in the KM 95 Restricted Production Forest area of Nabire. The team seized 10 heavy machinery units, including excavators and wheel loaders, suspected for unauthorized mining activities. They also identified approximately 199.9 hectares of forest clearing due to alleged PETI activities. After witness testimonies, evidence deepening, and a case conference with Bareskrim Polri’s Oversight Unit and the Attorney General’s Office, investigators identified four Chinese nationals as suspects. On 24 May 2026, Kemenhut’s Forestry Police and Bareskrim Polri’s Oversight Unit arrested and detained the suspects, with custody handed to Biak Police Resort. Investigators have seized the heavy machinery and related evidence. The seizure of machinery has received approval from Nabire District Court. Currently, investigators are gathering further evidence through digital forensics and mining experts, and preparing to submit the first stage case file to the Attorney General’s Office. The suspects face charges under Law No. 18 of 2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, which prohibits heavy machinery use and mining activities in forest areas without central government permits. They could face imprisonment of three to 15 years and fines between Rp1.5 billion and Rp10 billion. Director of Forestry Criminal Enforcement Rudianto Saragih Napitu stated that the Nabire PETI case handling aims to uncover the full scope of illegal activities. ‘The Halilintar PKH Task Force operation at KM 95 Nabire uncovered initial evidence of heavy machinery, forest clearing, workers, and suspected illegal gold mining within the forest area,’ he said. ‘After the four suspects were arrested and detained, investigators are strengthening the case through witness testimonies, evidence, digital forensics experts, and mining specialists. In such cases, heavy machinery, logistics, command chains, financing, and proceeds must be viewed as interconnected. Regarding 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 concluded. (RK)