FLASH: Indonesia targets companies linked to nickel trader over illegal forest use

Indonesia's Forest Area Order and Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH) has begun taking control of forest areas allegedly used unlawfully by mining companies linked to nickel trader Arif Kurniawan. Authorities may impose administrative fines, pursue asset recovery and refer any criminal evidence for prosecution, though no companies, concession areas, commodities or criminal findings have been disclosed. The task force confirmed that "AK" refers to Kurniawan, a former Glencore trader, without alleging Glencore's involvement. An investigation estimated that Kurniawan and his main business partner held interests in at least 20 mining concessions spanning over 71,000 hectares, and that his businesses handled about one-third of Indonesia's domestic nickel ore trade. The action comes as Indonesia reviews five copper-gold concessions valued at about US $426.7 billion and amends mining regulations to broaden access for regional businesses, cooperatives and state-owned enterprises.