February 7, 2026 | 09:06 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Bangka Belitung Islands Regional Police have declared three tin mining bosses as suspects following a mining accident that resulted in the deaths of seven workers due to a landslide at the former Pondi tin mine in Pemali Village, Pemali District, Bangka Regency, on February 2, 2026.
The Chief of the Bangka Belitung Islands Regional Police, Inspector General Viktor Theodorus Sihombing, stated that the three tin bosses who have been declared suspects are Kimkhian or Akhian, Suhendri or Aciu, and Sarpuji Sayuti. "They were the owners and founders of the tin mining activities as well as tin collectors," he said on Friday, February 6, 2026.
The three were named suspects after police investigation into the mining incident. Investigators have also looked into 16 witness testimonies, all of whom were miners at the incident site.
"The statements from these witnesses and the existence of evidence have led the investigators to declare the three individuals as suspects," Viktor said.
The three suspects are charged with two separate offenses, namely the deaths caused by the mining and unauthorized mining activities. Viktor stated that authorities will expand the case beyond the named suspects, assuring to bring all related parties to justice. "This includes summoning PT Timah for questioning," Viktor said.
The police have seized several pieces of evidence, including an excavator, 275 kilograms of wet tin sand, related documents, and mining equipment. Additionally, there are two other heavy equipment suspected to still be buried under the landslide.
"Based on the witness statements, these heavy equipment were rented. The owners will also be summoned. At the mining site, we have established a police line and prohibited any activities," Viktor said.
Apart from handling the case, he stated that the police are also searching for one missing victim from Koba, Central Bangka Regency. The search process, together with the joint search and rescue team, has not been halted and will continue until the last victim's body is found.
The bodies of six other victims from the tin mining landslide have been returned to their hometown in Pandeglang, Banten, to be handed over to their families. "As for the case, we will work with the prosecutors and request expert witness testimonies," Viktor said.
Read: Seven Illegal Tin Miners Buried Alive in Bangka Landslide
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