Forestry task force seals Tristaco Mineral Makmur mining area in SE Sulawesi

The Forest Area Enforcement Task Force has sealed part of a nickel mining area operated by PT Tristaco Mineral Makmur in Konawe Utara, Southeast Sulawesi, as part of a forest area enforcement operation, officials said as quoted by local media.

The action was carried out on March 7 by the task force, which sealed about 73.17 hectares of the company’s mining concession.

Army Major General Febriel Buyung Sikumbang, commander of the task force, said the operation faced difficult terrain and technical challenges but was completed as part of a broader effort to restore state control over forest areas.

The enforcement was conducted under Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2025, which mandates the government to reclaim forest land used without proper authorization.

Read also : Task force probes 28 firms after license revocations

Authorities suspect the company may have carried out unauthorized land clearing and used improper documentation related to activities in forest areas, potentially violating regulations governing forest use.

PT Tristaco Mineral Makmur holds a mining business license valid until Aug. 29, 2032.

The company has previously denied allegations of illegal mining activities and said it remains committed to complying with regulations and supporting local community development.

Editing by Alexander Ginting