Antam Set to Take Over Operations at New Gold Mine in Papua
Fri 23 Oct 2026, 09:17 AM
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The Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH) has finally shut down the operations of a 275.36-hectare gold mine owned by PT Kristalin Eka Lestari in Makimi District, Nabire, Central Papua. The enforcement and closure of the area were carried out to ensure that the gold mining land is brought under state control.
After the land is taken over by the state, the government is reportedly planning to hand it over to state-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM).
Satgas PKH Steering Committee Chair and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin personally led the enforcement operation at the gold mining site on Thursday (October 22, 2026). He oversaw the closure alongside Deputy Defense Minister General TNI Richard Tampubolon, the attorney general, the TNI commander, the National Police chief, and the governor of Central Papua.
“Enforcement against illegal mining operations continues despite resistance” the @kemhanri Instagram account wrote in a post, as quoted on Friday (October 23, 2026).
The enforcement operation at the gold mine was carried out in accordance with Presidential Regulation No. 5/2025. Before the closure, the government had revoked PT Kristalin Eka Lestari’s mining business license on October 12, 2026.
“This step underscores the state’s presence in enforcing the law, safeguarding the sovereignty of natural resources, and prioritizing the welfare of the people of Papua” @kemhanri wrote.
Following the enforcement operation, the government plans to hand over the 275.36-hectare gold mining area to state-owned company PT Antam, which will subsequently manage the site as both operator and investor.
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