Two Suspects Charged in Illegal Nickel Mining Case in North Konawe
JAKARTA — The Directorate of Special Crimes at the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Bureau (Bareskrim Polri) has named two individuals as suspects in an alleged illegal nickel mining case in Morombo Pantai Village, Lasolo Kepulauan District, North Konawe, South-East Sulawesi.
“Bareskrim has designated AT as Director of PT Masempo Dalle and MSW as Proxy Director/Acting Chief of PT Masempo Dalle as suspects,” stated Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni, Director of Special Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, on Monday 16 March 2026.
Article 158 of mining law has been applied for unauthorised mining activities, carrying a maximum prison sentence of five years and fines up to 100 billion rupiah. Article 161 has also been applied concerning the management of illegal mining proceeds.
Police are taking action against illegal nickel mining activities in Morombo Pantai Village, Lasolo Kepulauan District, North Konawe, South-East Sulawesi. “Based on investigation findings, we discovered unauthorised earth and nickel extraction outside the valid permit area. During inspection, the company failed to present a valid Mining Business Permit (IUP) for the operational zone,” said Irhamni.
“Law enforcement has been reasserted in the North Morowali region. The Special Crimes Directorate of Bareskrim Polri is formally taking action against illegal mining activities involving PT Masempo Dalle,” Irhamni stated.
Prior to enforcement action, investigators examined 27 witnesses. From examinations and crime scene analysis, illegal nickel mining activities involving PT Masempo Dalle were identified.
In this case, police have seized four dump trucks, three excavator units, and one logbook for transport records. Investigators continue developing their investigation to uncover illegal mining practices in South-East Sulawesi.
“This action reflects the commitment of the Indonesian National Police in protecting the nation’s natural resources from illegal mining practices for environmental preservation and legal justice in Indonesia,” he concluded.