en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of the Republic of Indonesia, through the Directorate General of Law Enforcement of Energy and Mineral Resources (Ditjen Gakkum ESDM), has exposed alleged illegal gold mining activities at Mount Botak (Gunung Botak) in Buru Regency, Maluku Province. Investigators have obtained at least two pieces of evidence pointing to suspected unauthorized mining operations within the Community Mining Area (WPR).
Director General of Law Enforcement, Jeffri Huwae, stated that evidence collected through preliminary investigations and a case review conducted on May 22, 2026, indicates a suspected violation of Article 158 of Law No. 3 of 2020 on Mineral and Coal Mining (as most recently amended by Law No. 2 of 2025).
"Based on these findings, the case has been elevated to the investigation stage. The legal process will continue, and a suspect will ultimately be determined in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations," Jeffri stated in Jakarta on Friday.
The investigation stems from findings obtained during a crackdown operation on Buru Island by the XV Pattimura Regional Military Command (Kodam XV Pattimura), coordinated with the Ministry's law enforcement unit. Authorities discovered evidence of alleged illegal activities conducted by a company identified as PT X, including the construction of mining access roads, gold processing soaking ponds, and employee housing facilities.
Investigators also found indications of foreign nationals' involvement in the operation.
As part of the investigation, Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) from the Directorate General of Law Enforcement have questioned officials from the Maluku Provincial Government, personnel from the Ambon First Class Immigration Office, personnel from Kodam XV Pattimura, and management of a cooperative holding a Community Mining Permit (IPR).
Jeffri reiterated the Ministry's commitment to taking firm action against all forms of illegal mining activities. He emphasized that law enforcement aims not only to ensure legal certainty but also to protect the rights of licensed small-scale miners, safeguard the environment, and ensure that mineral resources are managed in an orderly and equitable manner for the benefit of the state and public welfare.
He added that the legal process is intended to support the Maluku Provincial Government in optimizing the management of Mount Botak's gold resources for the prosperity of the people of Maluku.
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