The ministry's Director of Forestry Crime Enforcement Rudi Saragih Napitu said here on Friday that the joint operation team, comprising 80 personnel, conducted the operation from October 29 to November 7, 2025.
“The joint team, established by the Ministry according to the operational plan, will continue to target other illegal mining locations, including breaking the supply chain of mercury and identifying beneficiaries of activities that severely damage the national park,” he said.
The operation, a second phase following a prior raid in Blok Ciear, Cisarua Village, Bogor District, included reclaiming state forest areas, dismantling illegal structures, and sealing mining equipment.
The team secured 723 processing buildings, 20 thousand iron cylinders, 100 machines, and hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.
Investigators also found shops, karaoke venues, and remnants of activities linked to alcohol distribution, drugs, and other offenses.
Meanwhile, the ministry's Director General of Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho said the operation was carried out under direct orders from Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni.
“This is a measured, firm, and ongoing action to restore ecosystem functions and ensure public safety, especially during the peak rainy season,” he said.
Although miners fled before the team entered the park, authorities maintained full control for ten days to halt all illegal activity.
In addition, post-operation rehabilitation plans are underway to accelerate ecosystem recovery, with public reporting playing a crucial role in ongoing forest conservation efforts, Nugroho affirmed.
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Translator: Prisca, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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