TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) detained a suspect involved in the illegal import and distribution of cyanide on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
The suspect, with initials SE, distributed cyanide that was imported through warehouses in Surabaya and Pasuruan.
"The evidence includes six thousand drums, or about 20 containers, making this our largest discovery involving cyanide," stated Bareskrim's Director of Specific Crimes, Brigadier General Nunung Syaifuddin, on Wednesday, May 14.
Bareskrim is currently investigating how the suspect was able to import the cyanide. According to Nunung, the suspect used permits and import quotas from the general importers' category.
Nunung stated that there are only two companies authorized by the government to legally import cyanide, namely the state-owned enterprises PT PPI and PT Sarinah. Therefore, if any other company imports cyanide from abroad, they must gain permission from the Ministry of Trade.
Nunung's team has been investigating the illegal cyanide trade since April 11, 2025. The suspect, SE, the Director of PT SHC, a company importing the hazardous chemical cyanide, has been proven to trade cyanide without a business permit.
SE has been importing cyanide using the documents of another company: a non-operational gold mining company. Police investigation discovered that the cyanide was distributed to illegal gold miners scattered across Indonesia.
Nunung mentioned that there is still a possibility of identifying other suspects, both in and outside of PT SHC. Furthermore, the police are also tracing individuals involved in the cyanide import.
The cyanide storage sits at the Margo Mulia Indah Block H/9A warehouse, Tandes, Surabaya. The second location is in the Gudang Garam Street, Gempol, Pasuruan Regency.
The suspect is charged under Article 24 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 106 of Trade Law, with a maximum prison sentence of 4 years or a fine of up to Rp10 billion, and/or Article 8 paragraph (1) letters a, e, and f, in conjunction with Article 62 paragraph (1) of Consumer Protection Law, with a maximum prison sentence of 5 years or a fine of up to Rp2 billion.
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