Indonesian Navy Foils Illegal 390-Ton Raw Minerals Shipment in Kepri Waters

A joint task force thwarted an attempt to smuggle approximately 390 tonnes of illegal raw minerals suspected of containing strategic elements linked to the nuclear industry in the waters of the Riau Islands. The cargo, packed in 25 containers, was seized after the transport vessel was intercepted while sailing in border waters. The TB Capricorn 106/TK Capricorn 92.210 was detained by KRI Kujang-642 during a maritime security operation under the Sea Security Task Force of Fleet Command I (Guskamla Koarmada I) on 17 May 2026. The case has drawn attention as laboratory tests identified strategic elements, including thorium oxide and triuranium octoxide, a uranium compound. The shipment also contained rare earth metals (REM) crucial for high-tech and energy industries. Commander of Naval Region IV Rear Admiral Berkat Widjanarko revealed the cargo was initially reported as ilmenite. However, laboratory tests by PT Timah in Kundur, Tanjung Balai Karimun, showed high levels of titanium oxide along with other elements such as zirconium oxide, thorium oxide, neodymium oxide, cerium oxide, and triuranium octoxide. Commander of the Indonesian Navy Fleet Command Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata stated the case demonstrates effective maritime surveillance in preventing illegal activities targeting national natural resources. He added that successfully intercepting the mineral transport vessel proves the readiness of the Indonesian Navy to safeguard national sovereignty and secure economically valuable natural resources. “This success is a tangible demonstration of the Indonesian Navy’s readiness, always at the forefront in protecting maritime sovereignty and securing national natural resources,” Hendrata said in a statement on Sunday (30 May). To investigate further, Chief of Staff of the General Staff of the Indonesian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Richard Taruli H. Tampubolon personally inspected the detained vessel at the Mako Kodaeral IV Batam dock on Tuesday (26 May 2026). The inspection was attended by Deputy Attorney General for Special Criminal Affairs Febrie Adriansyah, Commander of the Indonesian Navy Fleet Command Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata, and officials from the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs. Initial examinations revealed suspected violations in customs and mineral export trade regulations. The activity was deemed potentially damaging to the state and threatening the management of strategic national resources. He stressed that the Indonesian Navy will continue strengthening patrols and surveillance in strategic shipping lanes and enhance coordination with relevant agencies to prevent smuggling of minerals and other natural resources overseas. Meanwhile, Commander of Naval Region IV Rear Admiral Berkat Widjanarko confirmed stricter monitoring of mineral transportation activities in border areas as part of the commitment to crack down on illegal activities that could harm state revenue and threaten Indonesia’s strategic resource security. Authorities are currently investigating the origin of the materials, destination, and parties involved in the suspected smuggling operation.