Gold in Indonesia: Mining, History, Products, and Prices

Indonesia, blessed with abundant natural resources, ranks among the world's top gold-producing nations. Gold serves multifaceted roles, from investment and jewellery crafting to currency exchange. With their perceived stability, precious metals like gold are often viewed as secure investments, offering a hedge against inflationary risks and safeguarding financial assets.

In this article, we will explore the rich history of gold mining and production in Indonesia, uncover the cultural significance of gold from the time of the kings (Rajas) to the present day, and provide recommendations for the best places to purchase gold in Bali.

Gold mining in Indonesia spans over a millennium, originating with the arrival of Chinese immigrants. During Dutch colonial rule, the groundwork for Indonesia's gold mining industry was laid. Extensive geological surveys in 1850 led to the exploration of mineral resources, notably in Mimika, Papua.

The captivating story of gold discovery in Indonesia owes much to the perseverance of geologists. In the mid-20th century, Dutch geologist Jean Jacques Dozy was intrigued by reports of Japanese plans to ascend Mount Carstensz in West Papua, potentially encroaching on territorial interests. Determined to beat them to the summit, Dozy and his team embarked on a challenging expedition. Upon reaching the peak, Dozy identified promising geological formations indicative of gold deposits.

News of this discovery reached Forbes Wilson, a manager at Freeport Minerals Company, who was inspired to launch an expedition for further investigation. Negotiations followed, leading to the signing of a contract in 1967 for the extraction of minerals in what became known as the Ertsberg mine. Eventually, Freeport became the sole operator of the vast 10-square-kilometer site.

Gold deposits were also discovered in the South Banten region, including the Cikotok mine owned by PT Antam (Aneka Tambang). Additional mines, such as Lebong Tandai in Bengkulu, were established between 1906 and 1910, followed by others like Simau (1910), Mangani (1913), Salida (1914), Lebong Simpang (1921), and Tambang Sawah (1923). However, most operations ceased during World War II, with only a few mines reopening after the war.

Although gold production remained relatively stagnant until the 1980s, with only about 2.6 tons recorded in 1985, there was a significant increase in production in the following years. And of course, the Ertsberg gold and copper mine in Papua, managed by PT Freeport Indonesia, played a crucial role in driving this growth.

Today, the Ertsberg mine in Papua yields approximately 85 hundred ounces of gold daily, contributing significantly to Indonesia's substantial gold reserves, estimated at 1.76 million tons. Another noteworthy site is the Tujung Bukit mine in Banyuwangi, East Java, managed by PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI), which has been operational since 2016 and boasts reserves of around 28 million ounces of gold.

For those intrigued by the adventures of geologists and gold prospectors, the movie "Gold" offers a captivating glimpse into the spirit of exploration and discovery.

Converting raw ore into pure gold entails a meticulous series of steps due to the presence of impurities and minerals:

1. Crushing: The initial step involves crushing the raw ore into smaller pieces, facilitating subsequent extraction and processing.

2. Separation: Once crushed, the ore is separated into different fractions based on particle size and density. This segregation helps to concentrate the gold-bearing material for further processing.

3. Chemical Treatment: Chemical processes, such as leaching, are employed to extract impurities and purify the gold from foreign substances. Leaching involves dissolving impurities to separate them from the gold.

4. Thermal Treatment: Thermal refinement further purifies the gold and separates it from other components. This process involves heating the gold-bearing material to high temperatures, allowing for the separation of precious metals from other elements.

In some cases, an alternative process called amalgamation is used to separate gold from other components of the ore. However, this method involves the use of mercury, posing significant health and environmental risks. Hence, safer alternatives, like leaching, are increasingly favoured in refining practices.

While modern refining processes often utilize heavy machinery and specialized equipment, some traditional methods persist, albeit less commonly. For instance, one traditional method involves mixing gold ore with sand in a container to enable the gold to settle.

Documentary videos detailing gold mining, including the refining process, are available on platforms like YouTube, offering insights into the intricate procedures involved. Examples include documentaries focusing on Freeport Indonesia and the gold production process in regions like Papua.

Rose gold has gained popularity in Indonesia alongside traditional gold jewellery. Its distinct reddish hue sets it apart from yellow gold, sparking curiosity about its composition.

Rose gold is created by blending pure gold with metals like silver, copper, nickel, bronze, or zinc, enhancing both its colour and durability. Typically, it contains 75% pure gold and 25% bronze, denoted as 18 karat (750 fineness), making it a common choice for high-quality jewellery. Variants with a lower gold content, like 14 karat (585 fineness), are also available, with a deeper reddish hue depending on the copper or bronze ratio.

Interestingly, rose gold, once popularized in Russia during the 1800s under the name "Russian gold," saw a decline post-World War II. However, it has resurfaced in Indonesia, and is now used in various accessories beyond jewellery, including watches, bags, smartphone accessories, and clothing, thanks to its affordability.

Despite its popularity, rose gold may pose drawbacks such as allergic reactions due to the copper content, making it unsuitable for those with sensitive skin. Ultimately, whether choosing rose gold for its elegance or affordability, understanding its composition and considering individual needs is paramount.

In Indonesia, gold jewellery holds profound cultural and social significance, tracing back to ancient traditions upheld by communities such as the Badui of Java and the Batak Karo of Sumatra. Beyond mere adornment, gold jewellery symbolizes social status and economic prosperity.

Gold plays a particularly important role during wedding celebrations, where it becomes an integral part of attire, adorning the hair, necks, and hands of locals. Through this display, community members aim to showcase their family's affluence and prestige, and to emulate the opulent lifestyles of past kings, known as Rajas in Indonesia.

This raises an interesting question: Did gold truly exist during the era of kings, as believed by the Batak Karo tribe? Are their cultural practices genuinely inspired by the wealth and luxury of the Rajas of the Indonesian archipelago?

Since the era of Hindu-Buddhist times, rulers and nobles of Java have held a deep fascination with gold, often collecting it as a symbol of wealth and power. Despite fluctuations in market prices, the value of gold remained consistently high, reinforcing its enduring allure.

In Central Java's village of Wonoboyo (Klaten Province), gold signified status and authority among the ruling elite. Lavish displays of wealth included opulent items such as tableware, royal chariots, and palanquins, all adorned with precious stones.

Remarkably, artifacts from this period, including opulent tableware, rumoured to contain up to 50 kg of gold, attest to the era's extravagance. Even domestic animals donned golden collars during royal processions, highlighting the kingdom's opulence.

Archaeological evidence confirms these treasures, dating back to the late 9th to mid-10th century, shedding light on Java's rich history of gold craftsmanship.

Moreover, gold transcended mere ornamentation; it adorned the Royal Palace of the Majapahit Kingdom (Istana Kerajaan Majapahit) with intricate carvings and golden roofs. The palace, ruled by 13 monarchs from 1293 to 1527, stood as a testament to Indonesia's royal splendour.

In the 1990s, fortune smiled upon six Indonesians who unearthed a treasure trove in a rice field in Central Java containing gold items and coins. This remarkable discovery, including approximately 7,000 gold and silver coins, along with various ornaments and vessels, marked the largest treasury of gold items in Indonesia.

Acknowledging their find, the government awarded a prize of 500 million rupiahs which was split between the six individuals and the landowner. This event sparked widespread fascination and led to the creation of a documentary titled Misteri Harta Karun Emas dan Situs Wonoboyo Klaten, which is available on YouTube.

In Indonesia, the pawnbroker Pegadaian plays a significant role in facilitating gold transactions. It is a reliable state-owned enterprise for both buying and selling gold. With branches evenly distributed across all regions of the country, Pegadaian provides a convenient network for conducting gold transactions.

Pegadaian also has branches throughout Bali. For detailed information or inquiries, you can reach them at +62361880498.

Another prominent option for gold transactions is Antam. They offer gold bars and gold coins for sale through their retail outlets and authorized distributors. To manage the high demand at their branches, Antam has introduced a registration system. Customers are required to register in advance and obtain a queue number upon entering the branch, ensuring orderly transactions.

As of December 20, 2023, the price of Antam gold was 625,000 IDR for 0.5 grams. In contrast, 0.5 grams of 24-carat gold from Swiss UBS was priced at 596,000 IDR, equivalent to approximately $38.

Besides Pegadaian and Antam, numerous other shops across the country specialize in selling gold and other precious items.

The approximate prices for gold, inclusive of tax, are as follows:

Indonesia exports gold to various countries, including Singapore, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand, South Korea, and China, as well as the USA, United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Mexico.

Bali offers multiple options for those looking to purchase exquisite jewellery. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist visiting this enchanting island, indulging in the beauty of precious metals is a common desire.

Here, we offer recommendations for some of the reputable gold shops on the Island of Gods:

1. The Palace National Jeweler: Known for its welcoming ambiance and knowledgeable staff, the Palace National Jeweler offers an extensive collection of stunning jewellery pieces at affordable prices. Their website provides comprehensive details and pricing for easy browsing.  

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM  

Official Website: Palace Jeweler 

Phone: +6285351111188

2. Melati Gold Shop: Renowned for its competitive pricing and excellent customer service, Melati Gold Shop is a trusted destination for buying and selling precious metals. Their commitment to fair pricing ensures customer satisfaction.  

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM  

Phone: +623612096147

3. Gallery Kohinoor: Offering a diverse range of jewellery designs, Gallery Kohinoor keeps its collection updated to cater to changing trends. With an emphasis on customer satisfaction, they deliver exceptional service and ensure a respectful shopping experience.  

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM  

Official Website: Gallery Kohinoor

Phone: +6287869999909

4. Toko Perhiasan Emas Rosiana: Recognized for its quality craftsmanship and adherence to international standards, Toko Perhiasan Emas Rosiana attracts a steady stream of customers seeking top-notch jewellery pieces. Their Instagram page showcases their stunning collection.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Instagram: Toko Emas Rosiana

WhatsApp: +6281237877580

5. Dewata Ayu: Ideal for budget-conscious shoppers looking for elegant jewellery, Toko Emas Dewata Ayu offers a diverse selection of gold pieces to suit every preference. Their Instagram page provides a glimpse of their extensive collection.

 Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Instagram: Dewataayugoldshop 

WhatsApp: +6281236808277, +6281237384984, +6281337747737

In Denpasar, there's a bustling area lined with gold shops, offering a diverse array of options for jewellery enthusiasts. Here's a glimpse of what you'll find:

- Gallery Kohinoor

- Tosca Gold Jewelry

- Melati Gold Shop

- I LOVE EMAS Bali

- Toko Emas Bali Murni

- Toko Emas Mustika

- Toko emas Windu Sara 2 gold shop

- Toko Emas Cantik

- Toko Emas Kemuning

- Toko Emas Sabar

- Toko Mas Sinar Jaya

What also sets this area apart is the presence of street gold traders right on the sidewalk, displaying their wares in small glass cabinets. Here, you can engage in negotiations until you strike a deal that suits both parties. Sometimes, the prices offered here can even beat those found in the market.

In general, Indonesia remains a land of mysteries and is abundant in natural resources. Apart from its gold reserves, the country boasts significant deposits of various metals, minerals, and rocks. Its rich array of mining products includes silver, diamonds, platinum, phosphate, coal, natural gas, crude oil, copper, marble, aluminium and tin to name a few.