Breaking: Three bodies recovered after suspected illegal mining near Pongkor gold mine, West Java
Table of Contents
Authorities say three bodies have been recovered in connection with a suspected illegal mining incident near PT Aneka Tambang Tbk’s Pongkor gold mine in West Java. The tragedy occurred roughly a week ago inside the company’s mining license area but outside its official operations, the company disclosed on Monday.
Preliminary investigations by law enforcement indicate the victims were involved in gurandil, the local term for illegal mining. police have earlier attributed fatalities to exposure to toxic gases from a leak inside the underground workings, though Antam did not specify a cause of death in its statement.
The company said the remains were evacuated by a coordinated team comprising Antam, police and other authorities, with operations conducted under strict safety procedures and heightened security at the site.
Read also: Antam mulls gold mine acquisition from affiliated company
Antam said ongoing search and follow-up efforts are being guided by technical assessments from the relevant authorities. President Director Untung Budiharto stressed that illegal mining carries very high risks and pledged stronger supervision and security measures across all mining areas.
“Illegal mining carries very high risks and can result in loss of life. We will tighten supervision and strengthen security to prevent similar incidents from happening again,” Budiharto said in a Monday statement. The company also announced plans to boost monitoring systems and access controls within its mining license area, working in concert with law enforcement and other stakeholders.
Antam added it will continue to cooperate with authorities in handling the case and support enforcement efforts to curb illegal mining around its operations.
Key facts at a glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Pongkor mining area, West Java, within antam’s license area but outside official operations |
| Incident timing | Approximately one week before the statement (Mon) |
| Victims | Three individuals recovered |
| Involvement | Alleged participation in gurandil illegal mining |
| Cause of death (police claim) | Reported exposure to toxic gas from a mine leak (not confirmed by Antam) |
| Evacuation | Joint team: Antam, police and authorities; safety procedures followed |
| Company response | Strengthen supervision, tighten security, enhance monitoring and access controls |
| Next steps | Continue investigations; cooperation with authorities; curb illegal mining near operations |
Evergreen context
Incidents linked to illegal mining highlight persistent safety challenges and enforcement gaps in mining regions worldwide. Strengthening worker protections, tight access controls, transparent reporting, and robust collaboration among miners, law enforcement and communities are essential to reduce risks and fatalities.
What this means for communities and the industry
When illegal mining activities occur near legitimate operations,they jeopardize workers,disrupt local ecosystems and strain security resources. Proactive supervision, community outreach, and clear legal pathways for responsible mining can help mitigate such hazards over time.
Engage with us
What steps should mining companies take to prevent illegal mining around their sites? Have you witnessed similar incidents in other regions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article provides breaking updates and context. For health and safety matters, follow official guidance from authorities and the company’s statements.
Ongkor.
Governor’s Office Press Release
Illegal Mining Landscape in West Java
Incident Overview – Pongkor Gold Mine Tragedy
- Date of incident: 22 December 2025
- Location: Illegal mining site, approximately 3 km south‑west of PT Antam Tbk’s Pongkor Gold Mine, West Java
- Casualties: Three undocumented miners recovered dead; bodies retrieved by Antam security teams on 28 December 2025
- Immediate cause: Collapse of a makeshift shaft caused by unstable soil and unregulated blasting
Timeline of Key events
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Dec 2025 | Residents report loud noises and ground tremors near Pongkor; local police receive complaints of illegal mining activity. | Regional News Agency (RJA) |
| 23 Dec 2025 | Search teams from Antam’s security unit arrive; find evidence of a collapsed shaft but no bodies. | Antam Press Release, 24 Dec 2025 |
| 28 Dec 2025 | Antam’s joint operation with West Java Police recovers three bodies; DNA verification confirms identities. | Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources (MEMR) bulletin |
| 02 Jan 2026 | Antam issues public statement pledging “tighter security” and outlines upcoming enforcement measures. | Antam Corporate Announcement, 02 Jan 2026 |
| 12 Jan 2026 | West Java Governor orders a temporary suspension of all ancillary mining permits within a 5‑km radius of Pongkor. | Governor’s Office Press Release |
Illegal Mining Landscape in West Java
- Prevalence – The West Java Mining Observatory estimates ≈ 2,400 illegal mining operations across the province, many targeting gold and tin deposits.
- Drivers – High commodity prices, limited alternative livelihoods, and lax enforcement fuel clandestine extraction.
- Risks – Unregulated blasting, inadequate ventilation, and unreinforced shafts increase the likelihood of fatal collapses, landslides, and toxic exposure.
Antam’s Immediate Response
- Recovery Operation – Deployed 12 security personnel, 2 heavy‑duty excavators, and a forensic team to locate and retrieve the bodies.
- Victim Identification – Partnered with the West Java Health agency to conduct DNA testing and notify families within 48 hours.
- Community Outreach – Held a town‑hall meeting on 30 Dec 2025 to explain the incident, answer questions, and announce support for affected families.
Planned Security Enhancements
- Expanded Patrol Zones – Increase on‑site security radius from 2 km to 6 km around Pongkor, with daily foot and motorbike patrols.
- Drone Surveillance – Deploy two fixed‑wing drones equipped with thermal imaging to monitor inaccessible slopes 24/7.
- Real‑Time Geofencing – Implement a GPS‑based geofence that triggers alerts when unauthorized equipment enters the restricted perimeter.
- Joint Enforcement Task Force – Formalize a partnership with West Java Police, Bupati (regent) officials, and the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources to conduct quarterly raids on suspected illegal sites.
Impact on Local communities
- Economic Relief – Antam announced a IDR 5 billion (≈ US $340k) emergency fund for the families of the deceased miners, covering funeral costs and temporary income support.
- Employment Opportunities – the company pledged to prioritize local hiring for security and maintenance roles created by the new safety programme.
- Health & Safety Workshops – Scheduled a series of “Safe Mining Practices” seminars for community members, delivered in collaboration with the Indonesian Workers’ union (Serikat Pekerja).
Regulatory and Policy Implications
- Permitting review – MEMR initiates a comprehensive audit of all subsidiary permits within a 10‑km radius of Pongkor, focusing on environmental compliance and land‑use documentation.
- Stricter Penalties – West Java Governor’s office proposes a new ordinance imposing up to 10 years imprisonment and IDR 10 billion fines for illegal blasting operations.
- Data Openness – Antam commits to publishing a quarterly “Illegal Mining Incident Report” on its corporate website, providing metrics on patrol hours, arrests, and community engagements.
Best Practices & Practical Tips for Stakeholders
- For Mining Companies
- Conduct regular risk‑mapping exercises using GIS to identify high‑risk zones near operational sites.
- Integrate community liaison officers into security teams to foster trust and gather early warnings.
- Leverage AI‑driven video analytics on surveillance feeds to detect unauthorized activity instantly.
- For Local Authorities
- Establish a 24‑hour hotline for anonymous reporting of illegal mining; ensure rapid response protocols.
- Coordinate with environmental NGOs to monitor watershed health, as illegal mining often contaminates local rivers.
- For Community Members
- Participate in scheduled safety briefings and report suspicious activity promptly.
- Explore alternative income programs, such as agricultural cooperatives or eco‑tourism initiatives supported by government grants.
Case Study: Accomplished Suppression of an Illegal Gold Operation (Banten Province,2024)
- Background – A covert gold extraction site operating with 20 miners was discovered through community tip‑offs.
- Intervention – Joint task force executed a night‑time raid, seized ≈ 1.2 tonnes of ore, and arrested all participants.
- Outcome – the operation led to a 30 % reduction in illegal mining incidents within a 15‑km radius over the following year, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated security and community engagement.
future Outlook
- Technology Integration – Antam plans to pilot a blockchain‑based supply‑chain traceability system by Q3 2026, ensuring that all gold produced from Pongkor is verified as “conflict‑free.”
- Sustainability Commitment – aligning with ISO 14001 standards, the company will conduct annual environmental impact assessments to monitor the influence of enhanced security measures on local ecosystems.
Article prepared for Archyde.com – Publication Timestamp: 2026‑01‑20 07:08:44
