The Ministry of Forestry through the Law Enforcement Center for Forestry in Sulawesi named two Chinese nationals, CXY and XXL, suspects on Friday, August 28, 2026, for unauthorized gold mining activities within the Limited Production Forest area of Sungai Ongkag, Bolaang Mongondow Regency, North Sulawesi. According to Ali Bahri, Head of the Law Enforcement Center for Forestry in Sulawesi, XXL allegedly served as a field supervisor while CXY coordinated the operations.
Investigation Details and Digital Forensic Evidence
The case stems from a Forestry Security Operation conducted on July 10, 2026, by the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Forest Management Units Unit I Bolaang Mongondow and Bolaang Mongondow Utara. Officers found indications of illegal gold mining, including gold soaking vats and supporting equipment. Authorities arrested CXY at the scene after he failed to present valid mining permits, and subsequently detained XXL at the same location days later on July 18, 2026. Both suspects were handed over to the Manado Region III Section Office for further investigation, according to Ali.
Investigators gathered evidence from digital forensic experts who uncovered fund transaction records through a bank account under CXY’s name. Ali stated that these records revealed incoming and outgoing funds suspected of covering operational costs, worker wages, equipment rentals, and the purchase of materials for gold processing.
Legal Charges and Official Government Stance
Based on interrogations and case presentations, authorities charged both suspects under Law No. 6/2023 on the Enactment of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law No. 2/2022 on Job Creation. Ali pointed out that the individuals could potentially receive up to 10 years behind bars alongside financial penalties reaching Rp7.5 billion.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho emphasized that the government must guard forest areas against unauthorized resource exploitation that damages the environment and deprives local communities and the state of proper benefits. Januanto stated that the administration will not allow illegal operations to create unfair competition for law-abiding businesses, noting that enforcement aims to stop environmental destruction, protect community interests, safeguard state revenue, and ensure orderly resource management. Efforts to protect forests from illegal mining are persistently advanced by the Ministry of Forestry through enhanced enforcement measures and collaborative partnerships with local governments, forest management units, police and judicial bodies, and other key stakeholders.
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