Friday, 23 October 2026
JAMBI | INDATANEWS.COM - Police in Jambi Province have uncovered suspected illegal gold mining operations involving heavy machinery in Batu Kerbau village, Pelepat District, Bungo Regency, Jambi Province. Three people have been named as suspects in connection with the case. Investigators have also seized two excavators and 94.61 grams of material believed to contain gold.
The discovery forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining, which can cause financial losses to the state while posing risks to the environment. Police are continuing to investigate whether other individuals were involved, including the possibility that certain parties financed the alleged activities.Jambi Provincial Police provided an update on the investigation at a press conference held on Friday, 16 October 2026, in the foyer of Building B at the provincial police headquarters. The briefing was led by Jambi Police Public Relations Chief Police Commissioner Erlan Munaji. Also in attendance were Special Crimes Directorate Director Police Commissioner Taufik Nurmandia and Head of Sub-Directorate IV for Specific Crimes Police Commissioner Hadi Handoko.
The case began on 1 October 2026, when officers from Unit 1 of Sub-Directorate IV for Specific Crimes, under the Special Crimes Directorate, received information about suspected illegal gold mining in Batu Kerbau village.
After receiving the information, the investigation team travelled to the site at around 8 pm local time on 2 October 2026 to verify the situation. Officers seized two yellow SDLG excavators and detained several people suspected of having links to the mining operations.Investigators subsequently continued examining the evidence gathered at the scene to establish whether a criminal offence had occurred. Based on the preliminary findings, three individuals identified by the initials AJ, aged 36; HS, aged 34; and SAH, aged 22, were named as suspects in proceedings initiated under the first police report.
AJ has also been named as a suspect in a separate case based on a second police report. Investigators are therefore examining the individual's possible connection to two distinct investigations.As part of the investigation, police seized two excavators allegedly used for gold mining, together with 94.61 grams of material believed to be gold. The seized equipment and material will serve as evidence in further efforts to establish the facts of the case.
Although police have named three suspects, investigators still need to establish the precise roles of each individual involved. Further inquiries will also seek to determine whether other parties provided financial support for the alleged illegal mining operations.
Jambi Police Public Relations Chief Police Commissioner Erlan Munaji said the press conference was intended to keep the public informed about ongoing law enforcement measures, particularly investigations into suspected offences in the mining sector."Jambi Provincial Police are committed to following up on every suspected case of mining without a permit in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. Through this press conference, we are providing the public with transparent information while demonstrating that law enforcement is being carried out professionally, transparently and accountably," Chief Police Commissioner Erlan said.
His statement highlights that the investigation is not limited to individuals suspected of direct involvement at the mining site. Police are also seeking to uncover possible networks that may have supported the illegal mining activities.
Chief Police Commissioner Erlan added that investigators from the Jambi Police Special Crimes Directorate were continuing to examine the case. They were also following leads concerning other individuals who may have acted as financiers.
The investigation aims to reconstruct the full course of the mining activities under scrutiny and establish the suspected roles of those involved. However, any possible links to additional individuals must be substantiated by evidence through the due legal process."We urge the public not to engage in mining without a permit and to work together to protect the environment. Anyone with information about suspected illegal mining activities can report it to the police so that the matter can be pursued in accordance with the applicable legal procedures," he said.
Illegal mining remains a problem that requires consistent monitoring and law enforcement. In addition to violating mining regulations, such activities can cause significant environmental damage when the applicable requirements for land management and rehabilitation are disregarded.The discovery in Batu Kerbau village underscores Jambi Provincial Police's commitment to pursuing the investigation professionally and transparently. Police are also continuing to examine the possible involvement of other individuals to ensure the case is thoroughly investigated.
As the legal proceedings continue, evidence and investigative findings will be used to determine the responsibility of each person involved. Being named a suspect, however, is distinct from being found guilty by a court in a final and binding judgment. (IDNC)REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
