# Indonesia illegal gold mining and smuggling crackdown

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260725-indonesia-illegal-gold-mining-crackdown
> Updated: 2026-09-04T04:35:21.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 7.

Indonesia’s multi‑agency crackdown on illegal mineral extraction continued through August 2026. Navy forces halted an illegal tin‑smuggling convoy at Pelabuhan Pelindo Tanjung Pandan in Belitung, seizing about 2.5 tonnes of dry tin ore and 34 tin bars. Joint TNI‑Police teams dismantled an unlawful gold‑mining site in Bombana, Southeast Sulawesi, while police conducted raids in Manokwari, West Papua, and North Sulawesi, seizing equipment and detaining workers.

Investigations have increasingly focused on transnational smuggling networks. In Aceh, the arrest of a Chinese national attempting to smuggle 3 kg of gold bars highlighted systemic oversight failures; none of the region's 27 mining licenses have reported official production despite widespread illegal activity. In West Sumatra, police arrested an Indian national moving gold toward Malaysia, with reports indicating suspects have transitioned to acquiring approximately 1 kg of gold bars daily. Environmental groups, including Walhi Sumbar, warn of severe ecological damage, noting that unauthorized mining in West Sumatra has cleared roughly 1,100 hectares of forest and contributed to over 50 deaths since 2012.

In early September 2026, enforcement expanded to air transit hubs. North Sulawesi Regional Police intercepted two Chinese nationals at Sam Ratulangi International Airport attempting to smuggle 16 kg of gold bars to Singapore and Hong Kong. Additionally, authorities in Makassar are investigating a gold shop suspected of processing and selling gold without legal origin documentation, raising concerns regarding potential money laundering of criminal assets.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Indonesia authorities intercept illegal gold smuggling and investigate illicit trade

Indonesian authorities are cracking down on illegal gold smuggling, including the seizure of 16 gold bars in Manado and reports of illegal Papua-sourced gold being sold in Makassar.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-authorities-intercept-illegal-gold-smuggling-and-investigate-illicit-trade

### 2026-08-24: Illegal gold smuggling networks operating in Aceh and West Sumatra

Illegal gold smuggling networks in Aceh and West Sumatra are reportedly funneling gold to international markets, causing significant environmental damage and highlighting gaps in mining oversight.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/illegal-gold-smuggling-networks-operating-in-aceh-and-west-sumatra

### 2026-08-06: Indonesia cracks down on illegal gold mining as former miner sues media

Former miner Anto Tangahu denies PETI allegations and prepares a lawsuit, while Riau police arrest six suspects in a crackdown on illegal gold mining in Kuantan Singingi.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-cracks-down-on-illegal-gold-mining-as-former-miner-sues-media

### 2026-07-30: Gorontalo Police Set Up Police Line at Illegal Gold Mine Site in Bone Bolango

Gorontalo Police placed a police line at an illegal gold mining site in Bone Bolango on 29 July, seizing evidence and planning further investigations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gorontalo-police-set-up-police-line-at-illegal-gold-mine-site-in-bone-bolango

### 2026-07-27: Indonesian Forces Seize 2.5 Tons of Tin and Detain Illegal Gold Miners

Indonesian Navy stopped tin smuggling in Belitung, seizing 2.5 t of ore, while joint forces in Bombana arrested three illegal gold miners, highlighting a crackdown on unlawful resource extraction.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesian-forces-seize-25-tons-of-tin-and-detain-illegal-gold-miners

### 2026-07-25: Indonesia Seizes Illegal Gold Mine in North Sulawesi Forest, Two Suspects Charged

Indonesian forest authorities stopped illegal gold mining in North Sulawesi's Mobungayom forest, seizing an excavator and charging two suspects with up to ten years imprisonment.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-seizes-illegal-gold-mine-in-north-sulawesi-forest-two-suspects-charged

### 2026-07-17: Indonesia's West Papua police pursue financier of illegal gold mine

West Papua police seized equipment and arrested six people in a three‑day raid on an illegal gold mine, and are hunting financier Fajar.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesias-west-papua-police-pursue-financier-of-illegal-gold-mine

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Cite as: Indonesia illegal gold mining and smuggling crackdown. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260725-indonesia-illegal-gold-mining-crackdown