PKH Task Force Cracks Down on Illegal Gold Mine in Maluku, Arrests 16 Chinese Nationals

JAKARTA - The Forest Area Regulation Task Force (Satgas PKH) and the XV/Pattimura Military Regional Command have cracked down on unlicensed gold mining activities (PETI) in the Gunung Botak area on Buru Island, Maluku, through an integrated operation from 27 April to 14 May 2026. According to a TNI Information Centre press release, prior to the operation, on 13 April 2026, the TNI Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Richard Tampubolon, along with the PKH Task Force, conducted an aerial inspection of the Gunung Botak PETI site as an initial handling step. Subsequently, the Maluku Provincial Integrated Team, reinforced by combat units, combat support, and territorial units from the XV/Pattimura Kodam on Buru and Ambon Islands, immediately took action at the location. During the evacuation, the team secured 16 foreign nationals from China. Additionally, the team found evidence of prostitution practices and the sale of alcoholic beverages. “All those foreign nationals have been handed over to immigration authorities,” he said. Nevertheless, Doddy did not provide detailed explanations of the roles of the 16 Chinese foreign nationals. However, he assessed that this constitutes a serious threat if left unchecked, as it not only impacts the economy. He added that following the crackdown, his side, together with the Maluku Provincial Government apparatus, is committed to reorganising the Gunung Botak area as an effort to save natural resource assets from illegal exploitation that causes damage. “The TNI is present to escort local government policies so that natural resource management can shift to official channels, thereby providing real contributions to Regional Original Revenue (PAD) and the legal welfare of the Maluku community,” he concluded.