Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Forestry has named four Chinese miners as suspects in an illegal gold mining case in Nabire, Central Papua. 

“Our law enforcement operation in Nabire revealed heavy equipment, land clearing, workers, and suspected illegal gold mining inside forest areas. After arresting four suspects, investigators strengthened the case with witness testimony, evidence, and expert analysis,” said Rudianto Saragih Napitu, the Director of Forestry Crime Enforcement, as reported by antaranews.com on Thursday (28/5/2026).

The suspects, identified by their initials LH, LL, FW, and PJ, were detained on 24 May 2026 and are being held at Biak Police.

Authorities seized 10 heavy machines and documented 199.9 hectares of forest clearing. The suspects face charges under Law No. 18/2013 on Forest Destruction, carrying up to 15 years in prison and fines of Rp10 billion.

Director General of Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho said that the arrests show Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring natural resources are managed legally and for public benefit.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)