Indonesian authorities have charged 24 foreign nationals in connection with an alleged illegal gold mining operation in the eastern province of Maluku, marking one of the country’s largest recent crackdowns on unauthorised mining involving overseas suspects. Officials say the investigation uncovered extensive construction work linked to mining activities that had been operating without the required permits. The case remains under criminal investigation.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources said the suspects were accused of helping develop infrastructure around the Gunung Botak mining area, including access roads and mineral processing facilities. Investigators allege the work was intended to support illegal extraction of gold from one of Indonesia’s most productive mining regions. Authorities have not disclosed how much gold may have been produced.
According to the ministry, 12 of the foreign nationals have already been detained while another 12 are believed to be outside Indonesia’s jurisdiction. Two Indonesian citizens have also been named as criminal suspects in the same investigation. Law enforcement agencies are continuing efforts to locate those who remain at large.
Officials did not identify the nationalities of the foreign suspects in their statement. However, Indonesia’s state news agency Antara previously reported that 24 Chinese nationals had been questioned after being found working in the Gunung Botak area under the sponsorship of a local company. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether those individuals are the same people now facing criminal charges.
The energy ministry said those convicted could face prison sentences of up to five years under Indonesia’s mining legislation. Prosecutors are expected to determine the final charges after investigators complete their examination of evidence gathered during the operation. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing and additional findings could emerge.
Gunung Botak has long been associated with illegal mining activities despite repeated government efforts to regulate operations in the area. Authorities have previously warned that unauthorised mining not only deprives the state of revenue but also causes serious environmental damage through uncontrolled excavation and the use of hazardous chemicals in gold processing. The region has experienced repeated enforcement operations over the past decade.
Indonesia has encountered several similar cases involving foreign nationals participating in illegal mining projects. Last year, police in Papua arrested four Chinese nationals during another investigation into unauthorised mining activities, highlighting the continuing challenge faced by authorities in monitoring remote mineral-rich regions. Officials say stronger enforcement measures have been introduced to combat organised mining offences.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources said it would continue working with police and prosecutors as the criminal investigation progresses. Authorities have not indicated whether further arrests are expected, but investigators say efforts remain focused on identifying everyone involved in planning, financing and supporting the alleged illegal mining operation.
