Indonesia Seizes Illegal Gold Mine in North Sulawesi Forest, Two Suspects Charged

The Ministry of Forestry's law‑enforcement unit halted an illegal gold‑mining operation in the Mobungayom production‑limited forest of Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi, on 9 July 2026. A joint raid by the regional forestry enforcement office, Polres Kotamobagu, the army, Brimob and forest police seized an excavator and detained five workers on site.

Investigators identified the excavator operator (MAS) and the activity supervisor (SH) as primary suspects. Both were formally charged under Indonesia's Forest Law, facing up to ten years in prison and fines of up to 7.5 billion rupiah. Authorities continue to investigate possible wider involvement.

The operation responded to community reports of ongoing illegal mining, emphasizing the government's commitment to protect forest ecosystems and deter future violations.