Authorities detain 16 Chinese nationals in crackdown on illegal gold mining

Authorities have detained 16 Chinese nationals during a crackdown on illegal gold mining activities at Gunung Botak on Buru Island, Maluku.

The arrests were carried out as part of a joint operation led by the Forest Area Control Task Force and the regional military command Kodam XV/Pattimura, which has been conducting enforcement activities from April 27 to May 14.

Pattimura Military Commander  Doddy Tri Winarto said the operation involved clearing illegal mining sites, including base camps and gold processing areas.

Read also: Indonesia flags illegal gold mining output at 120 tonnes a year

The detained foreign nationals have been handed over to immigration authorities. Officials did not disclose their specific roles in the mining activities.

The operation followed an earlier aerial inspection on April 13 led by Richard Tampubolon, Chief of General Staff of the Indonesian Military, as part of initial assessment efforts.

Military officials said illegal mining activities in the area pose risks beyond economic losses, including threats to security and state authority.

Authorities said they will work with the Maluku provincial government to reorganize the Gunung Botak area and transition resource management into legal channels.

Editing by Alexander Ginting