Bareskrim Reveals the Case of Illegal Gold TPPU Rp 25.8 Trillion in East Java, DPR: Investigate Thoroughly Without Cutting

ILLUSTRATION BETWEEN

Member of Commission III of the DPR Bimantoro Wiyono appreciates the Special Economic Crime Directorate (Dittipideksus) of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police for uncovering the alleged case of Money Laundering (TPPU) originating from the practice of Unauthorized Gold Mining (PETI) in East Java with a fantastic transaction value of Rp. 25.8 trillion.

He asked the National Police to investigate the case thoroughly without discrimination.

The simultaneous searches carried out by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police on Thursday, February 19, at three locations in East Java, including two points in Nganjuk Regency, namely the Semar Gold Shop on Jalan Ahmad Yani and a luxury house on Jalan Diponegoro, Payaman Village.

Bimantoro assessed that this search was a firm and serious step by law enforcement officials in eradicating organized economic crimes.

"I appreciate the Bareskrim Polri who have acted quickly, especially Dittipideksus, for their courage and professionalism in dismantling the TPPU practice which originated from illegal gold mines," said Bimantoro, Friday, February 20.

"This is not a common crime, but a structured crime that harms the country and damages the environment," he continued.

Bimantoro assessed that the development of this case showed the strong commitment of the National Police in tracing the flow of crime funds, even though the case of the origin of illegal gold mining in West Kalimantan in the period 2019-2022 had been investigated by the Pontianak District Court. The fact that the illegal gold buying and selling transactions are suspected to still continue until 2025 is a loud alarm for all parties.

"The step of tracing the flow of money to the downstream, including the network of smugglers and money launderers, is the key to breaking the chain of illegal mining crimes. Don't stop at the field perpetrators, but uncover them to the intellectual actors and big financiers," he said.

The Gerindra legislator from East Java District VIII also fully supports the investigation process, which has currently examined 37 witnesses and seized various evidence in the form of documents and electronic devices. He encouraged the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police to carefully, professionally, and transparently collect evidence until the determination of suspects is carried out in an accountable manner.

"We in Commission III of the DPR RI will continue to provide political support and oversight so that law enforcement is complete, fair, and non-selective," he said.

"The crime of TPPU from PETI is not only about money, but also about the future of the environment and the sustainability of natural resources," added Bimantoro.