Police Reveal Illegal Gold Mining In Bandung Has Been Operating For 14 Years, Turnover Is IDR 200 Million Per Day

Bandung Police Chief Kombes Pol Aldi Subartono (central) when he revealed the case of an illegal gold mine in Kutawaringin District, Bandung Regency, West Java, Monday (20/1/2025). (ANTARA/Rubby Jovan)

West Java - Bandung City Police (Polresta), West Java (West Java) dismantled the practice of illegal gold mining in Cibodas Village, Kutawaringin District, Bandung Regency. The illegal mine has been operating for 14 years.

Bandung Police Chief Kombes Pol Aldi Subartono revealed that the case began with reports from local residents who were suspicious of the activities carried out by the miners.

The Bandung Police Satreskrim secured seven people related to this mining crime, of which three were dealers, then four were miners, said Aldi in Bandung Regency, Monday, January 20, which was confiscated by Antara.

Aldi revealed that this illegal mine was carried out without a permit, with the mode of taking land in forest areas containing gold sediment to be processed using chemicals.

"The state loss due to this activity is estimated at almost Rp1 trillion, with an average turnover of Rp200 million per day or around Rp72 billion per year," he said.

Furthermore, the police also confiscated a number of evidences, including gold weighing 400.3 grams, cash amounting to Rp143 million, and mining equipment.

Aldi emphasized that the local government and security forces would take firm steps to close illegal mines and take action against other perpetrators.

"This is part of a national program to curb illegal mining. We want this natural resource to be managed properly in order to contribute to regional income and community welfare," he said.

The suspects were charged with Article 158 in conjunction with Article 35 and Article 161 in conjunction with Article 35 of Law No. 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining with a penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of Rp. 100 billion.