Maluku Police Examine 13 Witnesses Related To The Finding Of 46 Cyanide Sacks At Ruko

Finding cyanide at a shophouse in the Batu Merah area, Sirimau, Ambon, on September 25, 2025. (ANTARA/Winda Herman)

JAKARTA - Investigators from the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimsus) of the Maluku Regional Police (Polda) have examined 13 witnesses related to the investigation into the discovery of 46 sacks of materials suspected of containing cyanide at a shophouse in the Mardika area, Ambon.

"The witness examination was carried out to trace the origins, objectives, and parties responsible for the storage of these dangerous materials," said Head of Public Relations of the Maluku Police, Kombes Rositah Umasugi, as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, November 18.

This case is handled in a priority manner considering the potential danger of hazardous and toxic materials (B3) to the safety of the community and the environment. The Maluku Police ensured that the entire investigation process was carried out in a professional and transparent manner.

He explained that since this case began on September 28, 2025, investigators have taken quick steps to uncover the alleged crime.

"Investigators have examined and taken information on 13 witnesses related to the storage and ownership activities of 46 B3 (sanida) sacks," he said.

In addition to examining witnesses, Ditreskrimsus investigators have also confiscated evidence and sent it to the Makassar Forensic Laboratory for testing. Currently, investigators are still waiting for the official results of laboratory examinations to confirm the content of the material.

"After the laboratory results are received, investigators will ask for expert opinion, both criminal law experts and chemical experts, to strengthen scientific evidence and the basis for applying the article. After that, a case title will be carried out," said Rositah.

The Maluku Regional Police confirmed that they would complete the investigation of this case in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

Previously, the Maluku Regional Police found 46 sacks containing dangerous cyanide-type chemicals in a shophouse in the Batu Merah area, Sirimau District, Ambon City, Maluku Province.

This finding originated from reports from the public who suspected that there were dangerous material storage activities at the location.

Ditreskrimsus through Sub-Directorate IV Tipidter conducted an investigation since the report entered on September 18, 2025. The shophouse belonging to the locked Maluku Provincial Government was then investigated together with the Maluku Provincial Government Assets and Legal Bureau.

From the results of the inspection, the police found 10 sacks of cyanide on the 1st floor and 36 sacks on the 2nd floor. The shophouse is a local government asset rented by a woman named Hj. Suhartini.

Cyanide itself is often used in the process of processing gold, especially in illegal mining practices, and is very dangerous for human health and the environment if stored or used without official procedures.