Illegal Mining Sekotong West Lombok Finally Quiet, Police Make Sure No More Mining Chinese Citizens

Investigators at the Directorate of Certain Crimes (Dittipidter) Bareskrim Polri inspected the illegal gold mining location in Sekotong, West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Tuesday (28/10/2025). (ANTARA/HO-Dittipidter Bareskrim Polri)

The Directorate of Certain Crimes (Dittipidter) of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police ensures that there are no more foreign nationals (WNA) from China who carry out illegal gold mining in Sekotong, West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

This was conveyed by the Director of Certain Crimes (Dirtipidter) of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police Brigadier General Moh Irhamni after directly inspecting the illegal mining location on Tuesday, October 28, as part of the assistance activity.

"We make sure there are no illegal mines," said Irhamni when confirmed in Jakarta, Antara, Friday, October 31.

He explained that the West Lombok Police had been investigating since August. At that time, the police confiscated two dump trucks and an excavator from the location, but the perpetrator had not been arrested.

Based on provisional findings, mining activities were carried out by foreigners from China with the initials HF.

Based on immigration crossing data, HF has gone to Kuala Lumpur. Apart from HF, there are 13 other foreigners from China who are suspected of being involved in the illegal gold mining activity.

Irhamni encouraged the NTB Police and the West Lombok Police to immediately arrest the perpetrators and identify suspects.

"We encourage the determination of the suspect," he said.

He also requested that all parties involved in illegal mining activities, including those who assist in their operations, be thoroughly investigated.

Furthermore, Irhamni explained that the illegal mining activities were carried out in the mining business permit (IUP) area of PT Indotan West Lombok Bangkit.

The company has been licensed since 2019, but has not yet operated. At the time of not operating, the land is used for illegal mining activities," he said.

Meanwhile, the NTB Regional Police confirmed that the investigation of this case was still ongoing.

"The investigative team from the West Lombok Police, which was fully backed up by the NTB Regional Police and the Dittipidter Bareskrim Polri, continues the law enforcement process," said the Director of Criminal Investigation of the NTB Police, Kombes Pol. FX Endriadi.

In the investigation process, the police have examined a number of witnesses and experts and confiscated evidence allegedly used in illegal mining activities by a group of workers from China.

In addition, Endriadi added, investigators have installed a police line at the mine site located in the mining business permit area of PT Indotan.

The police line indicates that the location is under the supervision and supervision of investigators. We make sure there are no more mining activities without permission," he said.