Indonesia charges two Chinese nationals over illegal gold mining

  Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry has named two Chinese nationals as suspects in illegal gold mining in the Sungai Ongkag Limited Production Forest in Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi.

In a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday, Forestry Law Enforcement Agency Chief Ali Bahri said CXY and XXL were named suspects on August 28, 2026, after investigators established their respective roles in the illegal mining operation.

“Investigators are developing the case to determine each party’s role. We will strengthen cooperation with forest management units and relevant agencies to protect forests from illegal mining,” Ali said.

Investigators found that XXL served as a field supervisor, while CXY allegedly coordinated the illegal mining operation. A digital forensics expert also traced fund transfers through an account registered to CXY.

The transactions were allegedly used to pay workers, rent equipment, and purchase materials for gold processing.

Ali said the case began with a forest security operation by Forest Management Units I in Bolaang Mongondow and North Bolaang Mongondow on July 10, 2026. Officers found gold-processing pools and related mining equipment.

Officers detained CXY at the site after he failed to produce valid permits for the mining activity. Further investigation led to XXL’s detention at the same location on July 18, 2026.

The two suspects face up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of 7.5 billion rupiah (about US$423,000).

Forestry Law Enforcement Director General Dwi Januanto Nugroho said illegal mining in forest areas not only damages forests and the environment but also takes land that could benefit communities and the state.

“Our enforcement efforts aim to halt environmental damage, protect public interests, safeguard state revenue and ensure natural-resource management is orderly and fair,” Januanto said.

He said the Forestry Ministry would continue strengthening forest protection against illegal mining through enforcement and coordination with local governments, forest managers, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant parties.