North Sulawesi High Prosecutor's Office Saves Rp15 Billion in PT HWR Mining Case

The North Sulawesi High Prosecutor’s Office has safeguarded state finances totalling Rp15.04 billion in an investigation into alleged corruption in the management of the PT Hakian Wellem Rumansi (HWR) mine for the 2020–2025 period.

Head of the North Sulawesi High Prosecutor’s Office Jacob Hendrik Pattipeilohy stated in Manado on Wednesday that investigators have named three suspects in the case.

The three suspects are BT, the former head of the North Sulawesi Energy and Mineral Resources Office; BG, a foreign national serving as director of PT HWR; and HJ, also a foreign national, who serves as production manager of PT HWR.

According to Jacob, the investigation is still developing and the number of suspects may increase.

During the investigation, the North Sulawesi High Prosecutor’s Office also conducted searches at the PT HWR office, the North Sulawesi Energy and Mineral Resources Office, and several gold shops in Manado and Kotamobagu, in addition to securing equipment and conducting an environmental damage audit.

Jacob said the amount of state funds saved is still provisional as the investigation continues.

He did not specify whether the Rp15.04 billion represents money that has been recovered or seized, potential state losses that were prevented, or the value of secured assets.

He only stressed that investigators will continue to develop the case, including examining a number of officials to uncover those suspected of being responsible.