(Nov 5): Indonesian authorities are taking “immediate enforcement action” against companies controlled by or affiliated with former Glencore plc nickel trader Arif Kurniawan, according to a government task force set up to crack down on illegal use of the country’s forests.

The Forest Area Management Task Force did not specify the steps it would take, but said in a statement that an initial review had identified irregularities around mining, permits and the use of forested areas. Established by President Prabowo Subianto last year, the government body can reclaim land, issue administrative fines and seek asset recovery through civil or criminal proceedings.

The statement used only Kurniawan’s initials, but spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak later confirmed the target’s identity.

The reclusive Kurniawan is a heavyweight figure in Indonesia’s mining industry, having risen rapidly since leaving Glencore over a decade ago to become the country’s top nickel ore trader. Any move to target his sprawling network of mines could trigger a significant shake up of the wider sector, in a nation that accounts for about 60% of global supply.

Kurniawan, reached through an associate, did not immediately respond to requests for comments. 

In 2024, Kurniawan traded about a third of the country’s nickel ore supply, Bloomberg reported last year, citing a survey of industry figures. Alongside a key business partner, he also had stakes in at least 20 mining concessions spread across Indonesia.

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