Hammam Izzuddin, Jakarta – Police in Indonesia's Lampung Province have uncovered large-scale illegal gold mining on land belonging to state-owned plantation firm PT Perkebunan Nusantara VII (PTPN VII) in Way Kanan Regency, arresting 24 people and naming 14 of them as suspects.

Lampung Police Chief Helfi Assegaf said investigators had identified 14 suspects following questioning, while the remaining 10 individuals are still being treated as witnesses as the investigation continues.

"From the examination results, investigators have named 14 people as suspects. The other 10 individuals are still considered witnesses and remain under investigation," Helfi said in a written statement on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Police dismantled the illegal mining operation at seven locations in Blambangan Umpu District, an area that falls within the plantation concession of PTPN VII.

The sites were located around Sumatera Lintas Road in Sungai Betih Village, Martapura Lintas Road at kilometers 6 and 9 in Blambangan Umpu, as well as several points along the Betih River.

According to Helfi, the illegal gold mining activities had been operating for about one and a half years across an estimated 200 hectares of land. Authorities estimate the operation generated around Rp73.3 billion (about US$4.7 million) in monthly profits.

The calculation was based on estimates that each mining machine could produce around five grams of gold per day. Police recorded at least 315 machines operating at the mining site.

"With the price of gold at around Rp1.8 million per gram, the potential gross income from these illegal activities could reach around Rp2.8 billion per day or Rp73.7 billion per month," Helfi said.

Authorities estimate that the total potential state losses from the illegal mining activities exceed Rp1.3 trillion.

During the operation, police seized multiple pieces of equipment used in the mining activities, including 41 excavators, 24 dompeng or portable pump machines, 47 jerry cans filled with diesel fuel, 17 motorcycles, and one car.

The suspects have been charged under Article 158 of Indonesia Law No. 3 of 2020 on Mineral and Coal Mining, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine of up to Rp100 billion.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2091891/indonesia-police-expose-100-hectare-illegal-gold-mine-in-lampun