Indonesian Navy Displays 496 Tonnes of Seized Tin in Bangka Belitung

Pangkalpinang (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) displayed approximately 496 tonnes of seized tin, recovered from foiled smuggling operations in Bangka waters, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, as part of the force’s commitment to combating smuggling that harms the government and the public.

“We strongly support the Indonesian Navy’s decisive action in safeguarding natural resources whilst simultaneously protecting fishermen,” said Bangka Belitung Islands Governor Hidayat Arsani in a press statement received by ANTARA in Pangkalpinang on Monday.

He said that during a working visit by the Chief of Naval Staff (KSAL) Admiral Muhammad Ali to Bangka Belitung Islands Province, the Navy presented evidence from the foiled tin smuggling operations totalling approximately 496 tonnes, comprising tin sand, tin ingots and tin coins.

“This enforcement action represents a decisive step by the Indonesian Navy to protect the natural resources of the Bangka Belitung Islands from illegal practices that harm the state and the public,” he said.

He emphasised that maritime security against illegal practices such as natural resource smuggling and other criminal activities at sea is inseparable from efforts to safeguard the welfare of coastal communities in the archipelagic region.

“The maritime wealth must be protected so that its benefits are truly felt by the local community of this region,” he said.

He expressed strong appreciation and support for the decisive action taken by authorities in safeguarding natural resources whilst protecting fishermen.

“Collaboration between the regional government and the Indonesian Navy must continue to be maintained so that security and prosperity can progress in tandem,” he said.