Police Establish Two Suspects in Illegal Nickel Mining Case Involving Masempo Dalle

Jakarta—The National Police Directorate of Certain Criminal Acts has named two suspects in illegal nickel mining activities at Morombo Pantai Village, Lasolo Kepulauan District, North Konawe Regency, South-East Sulawesi, involving PT Masempo Dalle.

The two suspects are AT, serving as Director of PT Masempo Dalle, and MSW, serving as Deputy Director and acting Head of Mining Engineering at Masempo Dalle, according to Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni, Director of the Directorate of Certain Criminal Acts at the National Police Criminal Investigation Directorate.

“Focusing on enforcement of mineral and coal mining regulations, the perpetrators are now charged under Law No. 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining,” Irhamni said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Sunday. “They face Article 158 charges for unlicensed mining with a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and fines of up to 100 billion rupiah. Additionally, Article 161 has been applied regarding the management of illegally mined materials.”

The establishment of both suspects followed the investigation of 27 witnesses, Irhamni stated. The examination of witnesses and on-site investigations revealed illegal nickel mining activities involving Masempo Dalle.

The Directorate of Certain Criminal Acts initiated action against Masempo Dalle’s illegal nickel mining after the company failed to produce valid mining permits for the operational area. “As a result, all activities at the site have been halted and evidence has been secured,” Irhamni said.

Police have seized four truckloads for mineral transport, three heavy excavation units, and one transport logistics record book in this case. The action was taken following Police Report No. LP/A/114/XII/2025/SPKT.DITTIPIDTER/BARESKRIM POLRI dated 4 December 2025.

Irhamni characterised the enforcement action as a demonstration of the National Police’s commitment to protecting the nation’s natural resources. “This action represents the National Police’s commitment to protecting Indonesia’s natural resources from illegal mining practices to preserve the environment and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

Police investigators are continuing to develop the illegal mining case in the South-East Sulawesi region.