Alleged Rare Earth and Radioactive Material Exports: Authorities and Private Firm Clash

JAKARTA - The dispute over alleged exports of rare earth minerals and materials said to contain radioactive elements from Batam, Riau Islands, has escalated into mutual denials between law enforcement agencies and the exporting company.

On one side, the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH), the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), and the Attorney General’s Office claim to have found strong indications of export document violations and prohibited materials for export.

On the other hand, PT Putraprima Mineral Mandiri (PMM), the company implicated in the case, denies all allegations and insists its export activities have full government permits.

The case began when the Indonesian Navy conducted an operation against a mineral-carrying vessel in Batam on May 17, 2026.

The inspection was led by Special Crimes Deputy Attorney General and Satgas PKH Chairman Febrie Adriansyah, alongside TNI General Staff Chief Lieutenant General Richard Tampubolon.

During the operation, authorities opened 15 of 25 seized containers to verify the cargo against export and shipping documents.

Richard stated that the inspection was conducted to ensure compliance between documents and the materials intended for export.

“This activity is part of law enforcement efforts and interagency synergy to monitor national natural resource management to prevent misuse and ensure benefits for the country,” Richard said in an official statement from TNI’s Public Affairs Centre (Puspen).

According to Richard, the initial inspection results will be further reviewed to determine the type of violations and applicable legal aspects.

“The findings will be legally assessed and reviewed,” he said.

He emphasised that the Indonesian Navy will continue to tighten maritime surveillance to prevent smuggling of strategic natural resources, including rare earth minerals.