Bangka Tin Mine Collapse: 3 Bosses Named Suspects in Worker Deaths

Three Tin Mining Bosses Declared Suspects After Landslide Kills Seven Workers

The Bangka Belitung Islands Regional Police have declared three individuals suspects following a fatal landslide at a former tin mine in Pemali Village, Bangka Regency, on February 2, 2026. The incident resulted in the deaths of seven miners.

The suspects have been identified as Kimkhian, also known as Akhian, Suhendri, also known as Aciu and Sarpuji Sayuti. According to Inspector General Viktor Theodorus Sihombing, Chief of the Bangka Belitung Islands Regional Police, the three men were “the owners and founders of the tin mining activities as well as tin collectors.” The declaration of suspects came after a police investigation and review of testimony from 16 witnesses who were present at the mining site.

“The statements from these witnesses and the existence of evidence have led the investigators to declare the three individuals as suspects,” Sihombing stated on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The three face charges related to both the deaths caused by the mining operation and unauthorized mining activities. Authorities have indicated they will broaden the scope of the investigation to include other potentially responsible parties. “This includes summoning PT Timah for questioning,” Sihombing said.

Police have seized evidence from the site, including an excavator, 275 kilograms of wet tin sand, relevant documents, and mining equipment. Investigators believe two additional pieces of heavy equipment remain buried under the landslide debris. According to witness statements, this equipment was rented, and the owners will also be questioned.

A police line has been established at the mining site, and all activity has been prohibited. Authorities continue to search for one missing victim from Koba, Central Bangka Regency. The search, conducted in conjunction with a joint search and rescue team, will continue until the final body is recovered.

The bodies of six of the victims, all originally from Pandeglang, Banten, have been returned to their hometowns for burial. Sihombing stated that the case will be pursued with the assistance of prosecutors and expert witnesses.

The incident occurred at the former Pondi tin mine, which authorities have described as an illegal operation. Search and rescue workers had located six bodies by February 3, 2026, with one more discovered later. The workers were reportedly buried alongside the heavy equipment they were using when the landslide occurred. The landslide is believed to have been caused by unstable land contours and soil structure.