inp.polri.go.id - Serang. The Banten Regional Police uncovered seven cases of illegal mining in its jurisdiction between June and August 2026, naming six individuals as suspects.

Banten Regional Police Public Relations Chief, Senior Superintendent Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, stated that the action demonstrates the police's commitment to eradicating illegal mining.

"Many voices from the outside say the Banten Regional Police are not taking action against illegal mining activities. Today, we have proven that the Banten Regional Police are working optimally and will not allow such activities to occur in our jurisdiction," said Maruli in Serang on Thursday (8/20/2026).

Banten Regional Police Special Criminal Investigation Director, Senior Superintendent Yudhis Wibisana, stated that the seven cases were spread across Tangerang, Serang, and Lebak Regencies.

He detailed that six cases involved C-grade mining in the form of fill soil, while the other involved illegal gold processing and refining in the Lebak Gedong area, Lebak Regency.

Of the seven cases, the police have named six suspects suspected of acting as owners of the operations: JN (36), MF (34), AM (30), DN (28), RD (40), and AS (46).

One other suspect is still being pursued. The police also confiscated nine units of heavy excavators, delivery notes, sales records, gold-bearing rocks, and a set of gold processing equipment.

"In carrying out the mining activities, the Class C mining activities were carried out without mining permit documents. Meanwhile, for gold processing, the perpetrators used raw materials from unlicensed locations," said Yudhis.

The suspects are being charged under Articles 158 and 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Amendments to Law Number 4 of 2009 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining.

The suspects face a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to IDR 100 billion.

The Banten Regional Police urge the public to monitor mining activities in their local areas and report suspected illegal mining through the toll-free 110 Police Call Center service.

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