PKH Task Force Cracks Down on Illegal Gold Mining in Buru Island, 16 Foreign Nationals Detained
“We are not only carrying out land evacuation, but a total cleanup of all forms of social ills that accompany it,” said Commander of the XV/Pattimura Military Regional Command, Major General TNI Doddy Tri Winarto, on Monday (4/5/2026).
The enforcement of unlicensed gold mining activities (PETI) was carried out from 27 April to 14 May 2026. This step is part of the commitment to maintaining security stability and environmental preservation in the Maluku region.
“The discovery of 16 foreign nationals from China at the mining site, along with practices of prostitution and alcohol distribution, shows how serious this threat is if left unchecked. This is not just an economic issue; it is a matter of security stability and national integrity,” he emphasised.
Prior to the enforcement, on 13 April 2026, the TNI Deputy Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General TNI Richard Tampubolon, along with the PKH Task Force, inspected the illegal gold mining site at Gunung Botak from the air. The operation was executed by the Integrated Team of Maluku Province, reinforced with elements from the Combat Troops Command, Engineering Command, and Territorial Units under the Kodam XV/Pattimura from Buru Island and Ambon Island.
The team carried out the evacuation of the illegal mining land at Gunung Botak, as well as combing the base camp area and gold refining locations. Dozens of Chinese nationals suspected of being involved in PETI have been handed over to immigration authorities.
Doddy emphasised that the enforcement is not only focused on land evacuation but also encompasses comprehensive handling of various social impacts caused. He also stressed the importance of organising the mining area legally and sustainably as part of the joint commitment with the regional government (pemda).
“Together with the Maluku Provincial Government apparatus, we are committed to reorganising the Gunung Botak area. This enforcement is our concrete step in saving Maluku’s natural wealth assets from illegal exploitation that is destructive. 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 welfare of Maluku’s people legally,” he stated.
Through synergy with relevant ministries/institutions and regional government, the TNI plays an active role in facing various threats, including illegal activities that have the potential to disrupt national security stability and environmental sustainability.