"This enforcement action was our swift response to public reports on unlicensed gold mining using heavy excavators that damaged forest areas in Central Sulawesi," Ali Bahri, head of the Sulawesi Forestry Law Enforcement Office, said on Thursday.
He emphasized the urgency of the measure, noting that the area had recently suffered a flash flood — linked to environmental damage — that claimed seven lives.
With assistance from related agencies and the Palu military command, authorities confiscated the excavators from two separate sites in Parigi Moutong on August 5.
Other evidence collected included a diesel engine, nine 35-liter jerry cans of diesel fuel, and a water pump machine.
A man identified by the initials H, believed to be in charge of the mining operations, has been arrested and named a suspect. Investigators are working to identify other parties involved.
The suspect faces a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to Rp10 billion (over US$618,000).
Bahri reiterated the office's commitment to protecting forest areas from forestry-related crimes, stressing the need for consistency and integrity in law enforcement.
"The Sulawesi Forestry Law Enforcement Office urges the public to help preserve forests by reporting suspected forestry law violations," he said.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Anton Santoso
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