House of Representatives Confirms Indonesian Navy Has Authority to Intercept Vessels Violating National Sovereignty
The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I has emphasised that the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the Forest Area Order Task Force (Satgas PKH) are authorised to intercept any vessel suspected of violating the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. This includes the recent interception of the tugboat Capricorn, which was transporting 25 containers of minerals containing rare earth elements and radioactive materials, intended for illegal export through the waters of Batam, Riau Islands.
The Vice Chairman of Commission I, Dave Laksono, stated that the decisive actions taken by the military and the task force demonstrate a genuine commitment by defence apparatus to safeguard sovereignty and protect national interests. He noted that the discovery of smuggling attempts involving rare earth elements containing radioactive components serves as a serious warning to the nation.
According to Laksono, the minerals found—which include Zirconium Oxide, Thorium Oxide, Neodymium Oxide, Triuranium Octasid, and Cerium Oxide—possess extremely high strategic value for both the economy and national defence. He dismissed arguments claiming the Navy lacks the authority to intervene, asserting that any indication of a violation threatening national security must be addressed according to the law.
Furthermore, Laksono noted that claims by PT Putraprima Mineral Mandiri (PMM) that their exports did not contain nuclear raw materials have been refuted by on-site inspections witnessed by high-ranking military and prosecutorial officials. Laboratory tests at PT Timah Kundur in Tanjung Balai Karimun confirmed that samples from 15 of the containers contained titanium oxide alongside various rare earth and radioactive elements.
“These facts strengthen the suspicion of a systematic attempt to cover up violations. Companies proven to have acted against the interests of the state must face firm action, including transparent and accountable legal processes,” Laksono explained.
Commission I of the DPR expressed full support for law enforcement and the Navy in maintaining national sovereignty, viewing this case as a momentum to strengthen regulations and oversight of strategic resource management.
The seizure was conducted by the Navy and the task force, with high-ranking officials including the Chief of General Staff of the TNI, Lieutenant General Richard Tampubolon, and the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, personally inspecting the containers at the Koarmada IV Pier in Batam. Lieutenant General Tampubolon noted that the smuggling of minerals, particularly rare earths, is a primary concern for the President, alongside other forms of natural resource smuggling.