Southeast Sulawesi Police Seize Three Excavators from Illegal Mine in Kolaka

Authorities in Southeast Sulawesi have seized three heavy excavators from an illegal mining operation in Kolaka. The Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimsus) of the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police confiscated the machinery in the Oko-Oko Village, Pomalaa District.

The operation, which took place Sunday night, followed a public report about unauthorized mining activities. "We received a community report regarding alleged illegal mining activities in Oko-Oko Village," said AKBP Edi Raharjono, Head of the Tipidter Sub-directorate of Ditreskrimsus Polda Sultra.

Upon investigation, police found mining operations proceeding without official permits. They secured three excavators and piles of rocks as evidence. Following an examination of the case and witnesses, investigators identified and arrested a 32-year-old suspect, identified by the initials DD.

DD is currently detained at the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police detention center for further legal proceedings. He is charged under Article 158 in conjunction with Article 35 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Amendments to Law Number 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining (Minerba).