indonesiabrief.com/ — Three Suspected Freeport Pipeline Saboteurs Arrested, Amole Task Force Confirms They Are Not Gold Panners
Amole Task Force I 2025, in coordination with PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) management, has officially denied recent media reports alleging that gold panners were shot in the Mile Point 60 area.
The clarification comes following a law enforcement operation addressing repeated sabotage of Freeport’s concentrate pipelines, which have been damaged 14 times over a two-week period.
The latest incident occurred on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at approximately 08:00 WIT, near Mile Post 59.8. A joint patrol team from the Amole Task Force I and PTFI management encountered a camp occupied by six individuals suspected of being involved in the vandalism of the company’s critical infrastructure.
“Based on a report from PTFI’s SRM division, there have been 14 incidents of pipeline cutting, affecting both active and inactive concentrate and diesel pipes between MP 44 and MP 64, from June 21 to July 4, 2025,” said Kombes Pol Irwan Yuli Prasetyo, S.I.K., M.M., Head of Operations for Amole Task Force I 2025.
“This is a serious violation that harms the state and threatens the operations of Freeport, which is classified as a National Vital Object,” he added.
Persuasive Effort Turned Pursuit
According to Irwan, the team initially attempted a persuasive approach to the six individuals at the scene. However, the suspects attempted to flee.
“We were forced to take measured action using rubber ammunition. Three suspects were successfully apprehended, while the other three fled into the forest,” he stated.
Three Suspects in Custody, Legal Process Underway
The three individuals arrested have been identified by their initials: RR (27), LS (59), and LA (31).
Two of them, RR and LS, are currently receiving medical treatment at Mimika Regional Hospital and are now allowed family visits. The third suspect, LA, is undergoing further investigation at the Mimika Police Department.
Authorities also confiscated several pieces of evidence from the scene, including:
-A plastic bag containing processed concentrate
-A machete, metal saw, flashlight
-Motorola HT (radio), power bank
-Backpack and gloves
Large-Scale Criminal Operation
Irwan emphasized that this act of pipeline sabotage is not merely theft, but a crime against national infrastructure.
“We secured the evidence, brought the suspects to the hospital, and are now coordinating with Mimika Police for further legal proceedings. This is a criminal syndicate disrupting company operations and committing a serious offense,” he asserted.
Amole Task Force I also stressed that no excessive force was used during the operation. All actions taken were in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Commitment to Protect National Vital Assets
Kombes Irwan concluded by reaffirming the task force’s commitment to safeguarding state assets within Freeport’s operational areas.
“This operation was not against gold panners but against individuals committing criminal acts of vandalism against state assets. We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the security of Freeport’s operations and uphold the law,” he concluded.
