Twenty-six suspects named in Gunung Botak illegal mining probe

By Romel S. Gurky

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) have jointly named 26 suspects in an investigation into alleged illegal mining activities at the Gunung Botak gold mining area in Buru Regency, Maluku.

The ministry's Directorate General of Energy and Mineral Resources Law Enforcement (Gakkum ESDM), working together with Bareskrim, said the suspects allegedly supported illegal mining operations by constructing mine access roads, processing ponds, gold refining facilities and other supporting infrastructure, as well as carrying out mineral processing activities.

Director General of Energy and Mineral Resources Law Enforcement Jeffri Huwae said the investigation was initiated following reports from the public regarding illegal mining activities at Gunung Botak.

Of the 26 suspects, two are Indonesian citizens and 24 are foreign nationals. One Indonesian suspect has been detained at the Bareskrim detention facility, while the other has not been detained. Twelve foreign nationals are being held in Ambon, while another 12 have been designated as fugitives after leaving Indonesia.

The suspects have been charged under Indonesia's Mining Law and related provisions of the Criminal Code.

Jeffri said investigators elevated the case to the formal investigation stage on April 3 after gathering sufficient evidence through witness interviews, expert testimony and case reviews conducted in May and June.

Investigators from Gakkum ESDM and Bareskrim questioned witnesses and experts from the Maluku provincial government, the Ambon immigration office and the Pattimura Military Command. Authorities also sealed and seized evidence from multiple locations, including Gunung Botak, Namlea, Ambon and Jakarta.

The ministry said investigators are completing the case file for submission to prosecutors and will continue to expand the investigation if new evidence emerges.

According to the ministry, the enforcement action also supports the Maluku provincial government's plan to manage the Gunung Botak gold mining area through a community mining permit scheme aimed at benefiting local residents.

Editing by Alexander Ginting