Inp.polri.go.id - Mataram. The West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police said that several Chinese citizens could be named suspects in an illegal gold mining case in Sekotong, West Lombok, after an ongoing investigation uncovered indications of foreign involvement in funding and operations.

West Nusa Tenggara Police Special Crimes Director Senior SUperintendnet FX Endriadi said investigators suspect more than one Chinese national was involved.

“There are foreign citizens involved, some operated the site while others provided funding, and they will be examined,” he said on Monday (29/12/2025), as cited by antaranews.com. 

Chief Endriadi said that the suspected perpetrators have fled Indonesia and are believed to be overseas. Investigators have coordinated with Interpol to assist in locating and summoning them. He said they have identified the suspects and mapped the alleged network behind the illegal mining activity.

Evidence seized includes trucks, mining camps, mercury and cyanide, with many items reportedly originating from China. The case is being handled with support from the Criminal Investigation Department at Indonesian National Police (INP) Headquarters.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)