Indonesian Navy anticipates smuggling operations during Eid holiday travel period

Jakarta — The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (KSAL), Admiral Muhammad Ali, has ordered his personnel to strengthen security along maritime routes to counter illegal smuggling operations during the 2026 Eid holiday travel period.

The move comes because illegal smuggling typically increases during major travel seasons and holiday periods.

“Usually they conduct these smuggling operations during major holidays to evade the authorities, but we will maintain heightened alert status for border security operations,” Ali said at a press conference at the Naval Port in North Jakarta on Wednesday.

Ali stated that the Navy would tighten security across maritime routes, from major shipping lanes to smaller passages frequently used for smuggling activities. The service will also increase patrol intensity to ensure that sea routes used by holiday travellers remain safe and secure.

He declined to specify which particular maritime areas would be the focus of personnel deployment.

Previously, Commander of Naval Area Command (Kodaeral) III, Rear Admiral Uki Prasetia, stated that his unit would strengthen security in Jakarta’s maritime zone in accordance with Alert Level 1 orders from the TNI Commander, issued through a telegram circulated recently.

“Maritime escalation will clearly involve intensified surveillance at specific locations and sectors that we have prioritised, particularly vital national assets,” Uki said when met at the Kodaeral III headquarters in North Jakarta on Monday (9 March).

Uki explained that the increased security measures are not only to anticipate potential spillover effects from Middle East conflicts but also to protect passenger vessel traffic during the Eid holiday travel season.

When asked about the specific number of vessels and personnel to be deployed to patrol Jakarta’s waters, Uki did not provide detailed information.