Police Identify Two Suspects in Illegal Nickel Mining Case in Southeast Sulawesi

The Directorate for Certain Criminal Offences (Dittipidter) of the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Bureau has taken action against illegal nickel mining operations in Morombo Pantai Village, North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi. Two individuals have been designated as suspects in this case.

Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni, head of Dittipidter’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, stated that the nickel mining operation was functioning in a forest area without proper authorisation. The enforcement action was based on police report number LP/A/114/XII/2025/SPKT.DITTIPIDTER/BARESKRIM POLRI dated 4 December 2025.

“Based on investigation results, we discovered soil and nickel extraction activities conducted outside the scope of valid permits. During inspection, the company failed to produce legitimate Mining Business Permit (IUP) documents for the operational area,” Irhamni stated on Monday (16 March 2026).

As a result, police halted all activities at the site. Investigators also seized several pieces of evidence from the location.

“Police seized four dump trucks, three excavator units, and one unit of haul truck logbook in this case,” Irhamni explained.

Investigators examined 27 witnesses. The findings and crime scene analysis revealed illegal nickel mining activities involving PT Masempo Dalle.

“The Criminal Investigation Bureau has designated AT as Director of PT Masempo Dalle and MSW as the Director’s Representative/Acting Chief of Operations of PT Masempo Dalle as suspects,” Irhamni stated firmly.

Police are conducting further investigation to develop the illegal mining case in Southeast Sulawesi. Irhamni stated that this enforcement action represents Polri’s commitment to protecting the nation’s natural resources.

“Focusing on enforcement of mineral and coal regulations, the perpetrators now face Law Number 3 of 2020. Article 158 applies to mining activities without permits, with a threat of five years imprisonment and maximum fines of 100 billion rupiah. Additionally, Article 161 is applied concerning the management of illegal mining proceeds,” Irhamni explained.

“This action represents Polri’s commitment in protecting the nation’s natural resources from illegal mining practices for environmental preservation and legal justice in Indonesia,” he said.