Police Claim Illegal Gold Mining Near Mandalika NTB Kills 1 New Person Operating A Week

The location is suspected of being an illegal gold mine in Kuta Village, Pujut District, Central Lombok Regency, NTB Province, in Central Lombok, Tuesday (02/12/2025). ANTARA/Akhyar Rosidi.

The police stated that the location of the illegal gold mine, one of which was killed and two injured by landslides near Mandalika or in Kuta Village, Pujut District, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), had only been operating for a week.

"Based on the results of the investigation and statements of witnesses, illegal gold mining activities at the location are known to have been running for about a week," said Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the Central Lombok Police, Iptu Lukluk Il Maqnun in Central Lombok, Tuesday, as reported by Antara.

The victim at that time carried out a gold search activity with two of his colleagues. One of them, the initials ZUL, is about 1.5 meters below the position of two other colleagues.

At that time, there were also two unknown people who were hitting stones looking for gold by digging a hole.

"It's okay"

"Suddenly there was a landslide, hoarding all the miners who were under the cliff. Two victims who were not buried immediately tried to save manually using their hands and hoes," he said.

During the evacuation process of about half a meter, three victims were found buried, two of whom survived and one died, namely Hemaldi's brother (29) from Bonder Village.

"It's okay"

After the evacuation, the survivors were taken to the Batujai Health Center, while the deceased was immediately returned to the funeral home for burial.

"It's okay"

"The mine location is on a beach cliff that can only be accessed using a canoe, with a travel time of about five minutes from the shoreline," he said.

For this incident, the Central Lombok Police took firm steps against all illegal gold mining activities that were troubling and endangering the safety of residents.

"It's okay"

"We are processing the crime scene to determine the cause of the landslide and at the same time collect evidence related to illegal gold mining activities in the area. This activity clearly violates the law and endangers residents. We will carry out law enforcement against the parties involved," he said.

"It's okay"

Therefore, the Central Lombok Police conducted a landslide crime scene (TKP) resulting in the death of an illegal gold miner in the Mosrak Beach area of Gunung Djang, Kuta Village, Pujut District.

"It's okay"

"The landslide incident occurred on Sunday, November 30 at around 12.30 WITA, causing a miner to die," he said.

"It's okay"

He also appealed to the public not to carry out illegal mining activities that not only violate the law, but also to be at high risk of life safety.

"It's okay"

"The location has been installed with a police line for the investigation process," he said.