Immigration Nabs Two Australians for Alleged Illegal Mining in Lombok
Mataram. Indonesian immigration officials arrested two Australians on Thursday after they reportedly conducted illegal mining activities in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
The pair have been identified as Michael Edward Pedlow and Richard Peter Monaghan. A third Australian is being pursued by the Mataram Immigration Office and the local military.
Mataram immigration chief Husni Thamrin said the three were spotted at an illegal mine in a hilly area in Gunung
Piring, Central Lombok, along with local workers and mining equipment.
“The military it reported to us, and we immediately took action. However, one of the Australians escaped,” Husni said.
“Neither carry a limited stay permit [Kitas], although Pedlow claimed to be working for Archipelago Indonesian Drilling, based in Jakarta.”
Husni said the pair had been operating at the site since November, while heavy equipment arrived on Dec. 20.
According to Husni, Pedlow claimed that he was drilling for water to help the locals and that the land was private property belonging to his wife, whom he described as an Indonesian living in Jakarta.
Pedlow and Monaghan were presented to the media during a press conference at the immigration office. However, both refused to comment on allegations against them.
The immigration office is charging the pair with immigration violations. The pair could face a maximum prison sentence of five years if found guilty. It is not clear whether the pair will also be charged with illegal mining and handed over to police for further investigation.
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