The Special Crime Sub-Directorate IV of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police (Polda Sultra) has sealed the operational site of PT Bumi Buton Delta Megah (BBDM) mining. The sealing took place in Kapuntori District, Buton Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, on Saturday (30/5). This firm step was taken following an official letter from the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police regarding the land status, which is now in a status quo.
Affirmation of Status Quo and Reasons for Sealing the Buton Mine
AKBP Edi Raharjono, Head of the Sub-Directorate for Certain Crimes of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of Polda Sultra, stated that police personnel had been deployed directly to the location of the legal object. The cessation of all mining activities of PT BBDM, according to Yori Yusran, was deemed important to prevent broader social conflict in the community. This action was also taken to maintain the smooth running of the investigation process at Bareskrim Polri. The investigation concerns the alleged crime of document forgery with Yori Yusran as the reported party. Police found several pieces of evidence of heavy equipment activity in the concession area during the sealing, indicating ongoing mining operations despite a suspension order.
"Yes, it is true that Unit One personnel went to the PT BBDM location to request the cessation of all activities," said Edi.
This decision was based on an official letter from Bareskrim Polri Number B/390/V/RES.5.5./2026/Bareskrim. The letter states that the land status of PT BBDM under Yori Yusran is status quo, meaning no activity is allowed in the area. The cessation of the Buton mine operations also aims to mitigate potential social conflict in the surrounding community. Moreover, this step is crucial to ensure the investigation into the alleged document forgery can proceed smoothly without disruption.
Police Findings at the PT BBDM Mining Sealing Location
Based on field observations, the investigation team of eight personnel found several pieces of evidence of mining activity. They discovered several new land clearing points and piles of nickel ore commodity around the mining site. "Based on field observations, the investigation team of eight personnel found evidence of heavy equipment activity in the concession area. We found several new land clearing points and piles of nickel ore commodity around the mining site," said Edi.
At the location, police also found several units of heavy equipment still on standby. These heavy equipment consisted of 10 excavators, 12 dump trucks, and two wheel loaders. The presence of these tools indicated potential ongoing mining activity in the area of the PT BBDM mining sealing.
Furthermore, police detected the transfer of nickel ore to a special dock facility. Video footage from residents dated May 25, 2026, strengthened this suspicion, showing movement of illegal mining commodities. "Police also detected the transfer of nickel ore to a special dock facility based on video evidence from residents dated May 25, 2026," he said.
Clarification from PT BBDM Regarding Mining Activities
Responding to the sealing and police findings, Mustaqim, the spokesperson and legal counsel for PT BBDM, provided clarification. Mustaqim argued that the board of directors under Yori Yusran had stopped mining activities since the suspension letter from Bareskrim Polri was issued. "We mined when PT BBDM's RKAB (Work Plan and Budget) was issued. But after that problem arose, we stopped our activities," said Mustaqim.
Mustaqim claimed that the movement of vehicles and heavy equipment seen in the field recently was not for mining. According to him, the activity was only for road infrastructure maintenance. "Currently there is only road and bridge repair," said Mustaqim.
PT BBDM emphasized that they will resume mining after PT BBDM's RKAB is issued and the legal issues are resolved. They are attempting to comply with the suspension instruction while awaiting clarity on the legal status of the Buton mine.
