North Sumatra Police Detain Two Suspects in Illegal Gold Mining in Madina Forest
The Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of North Sumatra Regional Police has designated two individuals as suspects in an illegal gold mining operation at the border of South Tapanuli District and Mandailing Natal (Madina) District in North Sumatra.
Brigadier General Rahmat Budi Handoko, Director of the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate of North Sumatra Police, stated that the two suspects were designated following investigator examination of 17 individuals previously arrested in Panabari Village, Tano Tombangan District, South Tapanuli District.
“The two are AB or Abu Bakar, a resident of Tanjung Balik Village, Pangkalan Koto Baru District, West Sumatra, and AD alias Ali Derlan, a resident of Huta Raja, Mandailing Natal District, North Sumatra,” said Brigadier General Rahmat in Medan on Friday (13 March 2026).
He explained that Abu Bakar served as the excavator operator used in the mining activity, while Ali Derlan was responsible as a mechanic for the sand collection and gold containment unit.
“So far, only these two individuals have been designated as suspects,” he said.
Rahmat explained that of the total 17 individuals secured, 15 others remain as witnesses because they were not directly involved in the mining activity.
“Some were only assigned as cooks at the mining site, and there were also residents who only delivered fuel,” he explained.
According to him, investigators are also conducting further investigation to identify other parties suspected of involvement, including the mine owner who has not yet been apprehended.
“However, colleagues should not worry, we will continue the investigative and exploratory process,” Rahmat said.
In the enforcement action, police also secured 12 units of heavy excavator equipment from the mining location. Meanwhile, two additional excavator units were secured whilst en route to the site and the investigation into their connection to the mining activity is ongoing.
Investigators will also examine several expert witnesses and trace the heavy equipment supplier company to determine ownership of the excavators used in the illegal activity.
“From the 12 pieces of equipment, we will request statements from the heavy equipment supply company to determine the owners. We have also secured four generator sets, water pumping engines, 10 filter carpets, record books and gold panning equipment,” he said.
Brigadier General Rahmat stated that the two suspects are charged under Article 158 of Law Number 3 Year 2020 on Mineral and Coal Mining, amending Law Number 4 Year 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining, as well as Article 89 paragraph 1 in conjunction with Article 17 paragraph 1 of Law Number 18 on Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction.
“We continue to investigate this case, including conducting inspections at several locations. In addition, we are calling experts and related parties,” he explained.