Police Seize Trucks and Excavators in Illegal Nickel Mining Crackdown in North Konawe

Jakarta – The National Police have seized dump trucks and heavy equipment in enforcement action against illegal nickel mining in Morombo Pantai Village, Lasolo Kepulauan District, North Konawe, South-East Sulawesi.

“We seized four dump trucks, three excavator units, and one cargo manifest record book in this case,” said Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni, Director of Specific Crime Investigation at the National Police Criminal Investigation Directorate, in a statement on Monday 16 March 2026.

“Based on investigation results, illegal earth and nickel extraction activities were found operating without proper authorisation. During inspection, the company failed to present valid Mining Business Permits (IUP) for the operational area,” Irhamni said.

The enforcement action was carried out based on Police Report Number LP/A/114/XII/2025/SPKT.DITTIPIDTER/BARESKRIM POLRI dated 4 December 2025.

“The rule of law has been reinforced in the North Morowali region. The Criminal Investigation Directorate is now formally prosecuting illegal mining activities involving PT Masempo Dalle,” Irhamni stated.

The Criminal Investigation Directorate has designated AT as Director of PT Masempo Dalle and MSW as Deputy Director and Acting Chairman of PT Masempo Dalle as suspects in the case.

Irhamni explained that the suspects face charges under Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining. Additionally, Article 161 has been applied regarding the management of illegal mining products.

Investigators are continuing to develop their investigation to uncover illegal mining practices across South-East Sulawesi.

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