West Sumatra Police Raid Illegal Gold Processing Operation in Solok, Four Arrested

The West Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumbar) have uncovered an illegal mineral mining and processing operation in Solok City. During a raid conducted on Wednesday (15/7), officers arrested four suspects and seized a significant quantity of gold and silver evidence. The raid took place at a house on Jalan Dr. Hamka, Lubuk Sikarah Sub-district, Solok City, around 3.30 p.m. local time. The location was strongly suspected of being a centre for the collection and processing of unlicensed mining products. Director of Special Criminal Investigation (Dirreskrimsus) for Polda Sumbar, Senior Commissioner Andry Kurniawan, stated that the operation demonstrates the National Police’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining practices that harm the state and damage the environment. “We have secured four perpetrators with the initials ZP, 52, RJP, 36, JH, 50, and S, 66. They are strongly suspected of carrying out activities to collect, process, and sell minerals in the form of gold and silver without possessing an IUP, IUPK, IPR, or other valid permits,” Andry said in a statement. During the search, police confiscated a number of valuable pieces of evidence. Andry stressed that this illegal activity not only causes economic losses but also disregards environmental regulations. Separately, Polda Sumbar Head of Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Susmelawati Rosya, urged the public to proactively report any suspicious mining-related activities in their neighbourhoods. The four suspects have been charged under Article 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Amendments to Law Number 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining. They face a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to Rp100 billion. Investigators are currently conducting intensive examinations of the suspects and witnesses to uncover a wider syndicate network.