JAMBI | INDATANEWS.COM - Police in Indonesia's Jambi Province uncovered 32 cases of illegal gold mining between January and October 2026. During the investigations, the Jambi Police's Special Crimes Directorate, working with subordinate units, named 71 people as suspects. Officers also seized 3,503.64 grams of gold, 12 heavy machines, a vehicle classified as R4/R6, and cash totalling IDR 108,123,000.
Jambi Police Chief Inspector General Drs Widodo presented the investigation results at a press conference outside the entrance to
Jambi Police Headquarters on Monday, 26 October 2026. The event was attended by the directors of special and general crimes, the head of public relations, and the head of the professional ethics and security division.
The operation forms part of wider efforts to curb illegal gold mining across Jambi Province. Police are pursuing those allegedly involved while also addressing the potential consequences of unlicensed mining for the environment, public health, workplace safety, community relations and local livelihoods.
Police Continue Crackdown on Illegal Mining
Irjen Widodo said police would continue taking firm action against illegal gold mining while advancing the legal process in cases already uncovered.
Investigators have pledged to handle the cases professionally, transparently and fairly, in accordance with applicable law. Their efforts aim not only to enforce the law but also to prevent further harm caused by illegal mining activities.
"The Jambi Police and all subordinate units are committed to continuing to take action against illegal gold mining across Jambi Province. Our focus is not limited to criminal enforcement; we also seek to prevent wider consequences for the environment, health, safety, and the social and economic lives of the community," the police chief said through the head of public relations.
The seized gold, heavy machinery, vehicle and cash will serve as evidence in the investigations. The number of cases and suspects identified highlights the scale of the issue facing law enforcement in the province.
EVIDENCE SEIZED IN ILLEGAL GOLD MINING INVESTIGATIONS: Jambi Police seized 3,503.64 grams of gold, 12 heavy machines, a vehicle classified as R4/R6, and IDR 108,123,000 in cash during investigations into illegal gold mining. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Environmental Damage and Public Safety Risks
Irjen Widodo stressed that illegal gold mining is more than a breach of the law. Unlicensed operations can cause serious environmental damage and put people living near mining sites at risk.
Potential consequences include the destruction of ecosystems, changes to soil conditions, increased erosion and contamination of water sources by hazardous substances, including heavy metals. Such damage can undermine environmental quality and threaten communities that depend on local natural resources.
Mining activities that fail to meet occupational health and safety standards also pose risks. Sites without basic safety measures can endanger both miners and nearby residents, while unsafe working conditions increase the likelihood of accidents.
The social and economic consequences can also be significant. Illegal mining may trigger disputes among residents, affect access to clean water and undermine local livelihoods. If children become involved in these activities, their right to education may also be compromised.
Illegal extraction can additionally cause financial losses for the state by depriving the government of tax revenue and other non-tax income generated through lawful resource management.
Police warned that anyone proven to have engaged in illegal mining could face criminal proceedings under the applicable legislation. The investigations are intended to uphold the law and discourage people from participating in unlawful mining activities.
JAMBI POLICE URGE PUBLIC TO REPORT ILLEGAL MINING: Through its head of public relations, Jambi Police urge residents to report suspected illegal gold mining through the police call centre on 110 to support law enforcement and help prevent environmental damage and social conflict. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Separate Assault Investigation in Muaro Jambi
Separately from the illegal mining cases, Widodo addressed a suspected assault in Muaro Jambi Regency that he cited as an example of a public safety concern in the region.
The alleged incident took place at around 3 pm local time on Friday, 9 October 2026, in the RT 06 neighbourhood of Berembang village, Sekernan district, Muaro Jambi Regency.
The people involved were identified by the initials MEZ, the alleged victim, and FA, the suspected perpetrator. Police arrested FA and took him to Muaro Jambi Police, where he was to undergo further legal proceedings.
The assault case is being handled separately from the illegal gold mining investigations. Its progress will depend on the evidence gathered and the applicable legal procedures.
Irjen Widodo urged residents to help maintain public safety and order by refusing to participate in illegal mining and reporting any information about unlicensed operations to the authorities.
"We urge the entire community to work together to maintain security and public order and not to become involved in illegal mining activities. Anyone who becomes aware of illegal gold mining can report it through the Indonesian National Police call centre on 110, so that the relevant officers can follow up the information as quickly as possible," the police chief said through the head of public relations.
Jambi Police said enforcement against illegal mining would continue, with public cooperation expected to help prevent environmental damage, reduce the risk of social conflict and protect the safety and livelihoods of communities across the province.
Public reports remain an important means of helping authorities identify illegal mining activities and obtain relevant information. Through responsible reporting and consistent law enforcement, police aim to strengthen environmental protection, safeguard residents and maintain public order in the region.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala