Police Dismantle Illegal Gold Mining Network In Bulungan, 2 Suspects Arrested

TANJUNG SELOR Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimsus) of the North Kalimantan Police uncovered the practice of illegal mining without a permit (illegal mining) operating behind closed doors in Sekatak Buji Village, Sekatak District, Bulungan Regency.

The disclosure, which was carried out on November 29, 2025, revealed a structured illegal business chain, ranging from the excavation process, processing, to distribution outside the island.

Wakapolda Kaltara Brigadier General Andries Hermanto revealed that the investigation began after investigators received a police report and issued an investigation warrant up to SPDP on the same day.

"This operation was carried out after we received strong indications of systematic processing and gold holding activities," said the Deputy Chief of Police.

In developing the case, the police found a processing method commonly used by illegal mining actors, such as the use of thromols and barrels to anneal materials, as well as hazardous chemicals in the form of mercury and cyanide.

"The processed gold is then polluted through the burning process until it is separated from the remaining material. The perpetrators are also suspected of holding gold from other illegal miners before being supplied to a network of buyers in the Sulawesi region," said the Deputy Chief of Police

"This is not just an individual activity. There are transaction patterns and distributions that show organized activities," he continued.

Andries emphasized that the police named two suspects with the initials AW and FMS. Both were arrested along with a number of evidences, including processed gold and purification equipment. Investigators confirmed that FMS had fulfilled two pieces of evidence as regulated in Article 184 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

"The evidence confiscated included gold weighing 318.87 grams, digital scales, incendiary equipment, hammers, clamps, tweezers, transaction notebooks and Rp1,870,000. cash," said the Deputy Chief of Police.

"This evidence confirms the allegation that the suspect is not only processing, but also accommodating and trading illegal gold," he continued.

He added that investigators also examined a number of witnesses, including local residents and members of the capture team. In addition, experts from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and gold gaugers from PT Pegadaian were presented to ensure the level and characteristics of gold.

"For their actions, the two suspects were charged with Article 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal. The maximum penalty is in the form of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp. 100 billion," said the Deputy Chief of Police.

Meanwhile, the Dirkrimsus Polda Kaltara Kombes Dadan Wahyudi explained that the investigation was still ongoing, and his party had coordinated with the Kaltara High Prosecutor's Office. He said this disclosure was a warning to illegal mining actors who often took advantage of border areas.

"Illegal mining is not only detrimental to the state, but also damages the environment and endangers the community," he said.

Kombes Dadan emphasized that Ditreskrimsus also strengthens preventive measures so that illegal mining activities do not return to normal. Moreover, illegal mining practices often leave ecological damage, ranging from excavation holes, loss of forest cover, to river pollution due to chemicals, all of which increase the risk of flooding and landslides.

"We are not only taking action, but also increasing patrols, monitoring vulnerable areas, and strengthening coordination with local governments. This is important to prevent environmental damage and risk of flooding in the rainy season, we also consistently take firm action against all forms of illegal mining in the Kaltara region," he said.