Fishermen Discover Object Resembling Missile in Sulawesi Sea

The Indonesian National Armed Forces Navy (TNI AL) is investigating the discovery of an object resembling a missile in the waters of the Tanakeke Islands, Mappasunggu District, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. The object, found by local fishermen, was brought to the Regional Navy Command Headquarters or Kodaeral VI in Makassar for examination.

Commander of the Takalar Navy Post, First Lieutenant Marine Hamzah, stated that no conclusions could yet be drawn about the object. “However, this item resembles the shape of a missile. We don’t know exactly what it is,” said Hamzah, as quoted by Antara on Sunday, 19 April 2026.

TNI AL will delve into the identity of the object. It was transported to the Kodaeral VI Headquarters in Makassar using a TNI AL truck for further study. “The results of the further investigation regarding this object will be conveyed by our leadership,” Hamzah added.

Hamzah also could not confirm whether the object resembling a missile posed a danger. “Regarding that (whether it could explode), we cannot provide information yet; such conclusions (can only be made) after the examination results,” he said.

In response to the discovery of the object resembling a missile, TNI AL urges the public to report any suspicious objects to the Navy and police immediately. In particular, said Hamzah, for foreign objects that are feared to be dangerous and have fatal impacts on the local community.

Head of the Mappakasunggu Police Sector, Inspector Two Sumarwan, stated that the object resembling a missile was found after receiving information from fishermen. Sumarwan said the police followed up on the report by coordinating with the TNI AL Post in Takalar.

The suspected missile object is elongated, over one metre long, and blue in colour. Nevertheless, the police cannot yet confirm whether it is a missile or not, as they await examination by TNI AL.

The foreign object was found by fishermen on Tanakeke Island while at sea. The fishermen then reported the incident to the local police station. The object was evacuated using a boat and brought to the Mappasuggu Police Station for temporary storage before being transported by TNI AL truck to the Kodaeral VI Headquarters in Makassar City.

The police urge the public not to tamper with foreign objects if found anywhere. “Report immediately to the authorities so it can be handled quickly and safely,” said Sumarwan.