Ecobiz.asia — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry is expanding its investigation into an alleged illegal gold mining operation inside a forest area in Nabire, Central Papua, after authorities discovered heavy equipment, mining camps, and detained seven Chinese nationals linked to the operation.
The case is being handled by the ministry’s Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement, which is part of the government’s Forest Area Enforcement Task Force.
The operation took place around KM 95 Unipo in Siriwo District, Nabire Regency, where investigators uncovered 10 heavy equipment units, a workers’ camp, and two operator shelters inside a forest zone classified as Limited Production Forest under Forestry Ministerial Decree No. 10798/2025.
The seven Chinese nationals are currently under the supervision of immigration authorities for immigration checks and to support the ongoing criminal investigation.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho said the crackdown reflects the government’s broader effort to combat organized environmental crimes and reclaim forest areas damaged by illegal activities.
“Forest ecosystem destruction is a serious and organized crime. The state continues efforts to regain control over forest areas that have been plundered,” Dwi said in Jakarta on Wednesday (May 13, 2026).
The investigation began after local residents reported the use of heavy machinery for illegal mining activities in Urumusu Village, Gamei Biru Village, and Gamei Jaya Village in Siriwo District.
A joint operation involving forestry investigators and the Indonesian military, including regional units of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih and Korem 173/Praja Vira Braja, later raided the site.
Authorities found excavators, wheel loaders, semi-permanent buildings, worker camps, and strong indications of large-scale mining activity inside the forest area.
Initial findings and witness testimonies suggested the operation was conducted in a structured and organized manner. Investigators said the seven Chinese nationals were allegedly involved in management, technical operations, and underground mining specialist roles alongside local operators.
Officials also identified indications of financiers and coordinators operating behind the scenes who were not present during the raid. Investigators are seeking travel ban measures and further searches to ensure legal accountability for those suspected of directing or funding the operation.
Director of Forestry Criminal Enforcement Rudianto Saragih Napitu said the scale of the operation pointed to a well-organized illegal mining network.
“When a site contains heavy equipment, worker camps, operator shelters, clear division of tasks, and a command structure, it indicates a large-scale illegal operation. Law enforcement must not stop at those found on site, but must also target the supply chain, financiers, coordinators, and ultimate beneficiaries,” he said.
Investigators are also tracing financial flows and calculating potential state losses linked to forest destruction caused by the mining activities.
Suspects in the case could face charges under Indonesia’s Forestry Law and the Law on Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, carrying prison sentences ranging from three to 15 years and fines between Rp1.5 billion and Rp10 billion.
Caption: Illegal gold mining activities uncovered inside a forest area in Nabire, Central Papua, where Indonesian authorities detained seven Chinese nationals during a joint enforcement operation.
