Kuansing Police Uncover Illegal Gold Processing Operation, One Named Suspect

Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Police have again uncovered a criminal act related to unlicensed gold mining (PETI). One suspect has been named in the case. The suspect is alleged to have been conducting unlicensed gold refining and storage activities in Tanjung Pauh Village, Singingi Hilir District. The case was uncovered following up on public information regarding illegal gold processing activities in the area on Thursday (16/7).

“Every piece of information we receive from the public will be followed up. After an investigation, the team managed to secure a perpetrator who was in the process of refining gold without a permit in Tanjung Pauh Village,” said Kuansing Police Chief AKBP Hidayat Perdana on Saturday (18/7/2026).

Following up on the information, personnel from the Criminal Investigation Unit together with members of the Singingi Hilir Police Sector immediately conducted an investigation at the location. At around 7:30 p.m. Western Indonesia Time, officers found a man with the initials TS in the process of refining gold without a permit. The perpetrator was then detained along with a number of pieces of evidence for investigation purposes.

“From the initial examination, the perpetrator admitted that the results of the gold refining were subsequently handed over to a person with the initials IY, who is currently still being sought. We will continue to develop this case to uncover other parties involved, including the storage and distribution network,” said the Police Chief.

During the operation, police also seized a number of items as evidence, including two nuggets suspected to be gold, eight ceramic bowls, a pair of scissors, a burner connected to a gas canister, a packet of borax, a digital scale, a lighter, and Rp5.6 million in cash suspected to be related to the activity.

For his actions, the suspect has been charged under Article 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Amendments to Law Number 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining.

AKBP Hidayat Perdana stressed that the Kuantan Singingi Police are not only focused on taking action against unlicensed gold mining activities in the field, but also on the downstream chain, including the processing, refining, and storage of illegally mined gold. “Eradicating illegal mining will not be effective if it only targets the miners. Therefore, we are also taking action against parties who process, store, or trade the illegal mining products. This effort is part of our commitment to completely sever the chain of illegal mining activities,” he asserted.

The Police Chief also urged the public to continue playing an active role in providing information to the police if they become aware of any unlicensed gold mining or processing activities. “We appreciate the information from the public that helped uncover this case. Such synergy is crucial for preserving the environment while upholding the law in Kuantan Singingi Regency,” concluded AKBP Hidayat Perdana.