Friday, 23 October 2026
JAMBI | INDATANEWS.COM - The Jambi Regional Police have named three people as suspects in an alleged illegal gold mining operation involving heavy machinery in Batu Kerbau Village, Pelepat District, Bungo Regency, Jambi Province. During the investigation, officers seized two excavators and 94.61 grammes of material believed to contain gold.
The Jambi Regional Police provided an update on the investigation at a press conference on Friday, 16 October 2026, in the lobby of Building B at the police headquarters. The briefing was led by the head of the Jambi Regional Police Public Relations Division, Police Commissioner Erlan Munaji. He was accompanied by the director of the Special Crimes Directorate, Police Commissioner Taufik Nurmandia, and the head of Sub-Directorate IV for Specific Crimes, Police Commissioner Hadi Handoko.The case forms part of an investigation into alleged violations of Indonesia's laws governing mineral and coal mining. In addition to identifying the suspects, investigators are examining whether other individuals were involved in the operation, particularly someone suspected of financing the mining activities.
The case began when officers from Unit I of Sub-Directorate IV for Specific Crimes, within the Jambi Regional Police Special Crimes Directorate, received information on 1 October 2026 about suspected illegal gold mining in Batu Kerbau Village, Bungo Regency.
Following the report, the investigation team travelled to the suspected site at around 8 pm local time on 2 October 2026 to verify the information. At the location, officers seized two yellow SDLG excavators. They also detained several people suspected of having links to the mining activities.Investigators subsequently assessed the information gathered at the site to identify other potential participants. Their inquiries include examining the mining operations, interviewing relevant individuals, and securing and analysing evidence to advance the case in accordance with applicable laws.
The use of heavy machinery in the suspected illegal mining operation is a key focus of the investigation. However, whether the individuals involved bear criminal responsibility, and the extent of any such responsibility, must be established through the findings of the investigation and the evidence examined during subsequent legal proceedings.
Based on preliminary findings, police have named three individuals as suspects in a case registered under the first police report. They are identified by the initials AJ, aged 36; HS, aged 34; and SAH, aged 22. AJ has also been named as a suspect in a separate case registered under a second police report.
Investigators seized two excavators believed to have been used in the gold mining operation. They also secured 94.61 grammes of material that may contain gold, which will serve as evidence in the proceedings.The seized items form part of the investigation into suspected illegal mining in Bungo Regency. Police are continuing to establish the suspects' respective links to the mining activities, how the machinery was used, the significance of the seized material, and whether additional individuals were involved.
The suspects are alleged to have violated Article 158 of Indonesia's Mineral and Coal Mining Law, as amended and adjusted under the applicable legislation. If convicted, they could face the penalties prescribed by law.However, being named as a suspect does not mean that a person has been found guilty. The case must proceed with due regard for the available evidence, the rights of everyone involved, and the presumption of innocence. Guilt can only be conclusively established through a final and binding court judgment.
"The Jambi Regional Police are committed to investigating every suspicion of illegal mining in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. Through this press conference, we are openly informing the public about the progress of the case while demonstrating that law enforcement is being carried out professionally, transparently and accountably," he said.
Police Commissioner Erlan added that investigators from the Jambi Regional Police Special Crimes Directorate were continuing to examine the case. One of their priorities was to identify other potential participants, particularly individuals suspected of financing the operation."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 followed up in accordance with the applicable legal procedures," he said.
The appeal highlights the importance of public participation in preventing unauthorised mining. Information from the community can help police identify suspected violations and initiate appropriate investigations in line with the law.Illegal mining is also a concern because it can cause significant environmental damage, particularly when heavy machinery is used without the required safeguards and environmental management measures. For this reason, stronger regulatory oversight and law enforcement must go hand in hand with greater public awareness of environmental protection.
At the press conference on Friday, 16 October 2026, the Jambi Regional Police reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the public informed and continuing the investigation into suspected illegal gold mining in Batu Kerbau Village. Police are pursuing further inquiries, including examining the possible involvement of additional individuals, to ensure that the case is handled in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. (IDNC)REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
