Indonesian Navy Foils Multi-Trillion Rupiah Illegal Rare Earth Export
The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), through the Indonesian Fleet Command (Koarmada RI), has thwarted an attempt to smuggle strategic raw minerals, specifically Rare Earth Elements (REE), worth trillions of rupiah in the waters of Batam, Riau Islands.
The cargo was being transported using the vessels TB Capricorn 106 and TK Capricorn 92.210. Upon inspection, the cargo was found to contain rare earth metals as well as other dangerous radioactive elements.
According to a press release from the TNI AL Information Service received on Wednesday (10/6), the interception took place in mid-May.
“This interception began on 16 May 2026, during a patrol when KRI Kujang-642, under the operational control of Guskamla Koarmada I, detected the movement of vessels TB Capricorn 106 and TK Capricorn 92.210 within the strategic border waters of Batam,” stated the TNI AL.
“After interception and inspection, officers secured cargo that, based on preliminary examinations, is suspected to include goods prohibited for export, packed in dozens of containers believed to be part of an illegal export scheme,” the statement added.
The cargo on the two vessels is suspected to include goods prohibited for export as stipulated under Law Number 7 of 2014 concerning Trade, and the list of goods included in the Appendix of the Minister of Trade Regulation Number 22 of 2023, as last amended by the Minister of Trade Regulation Number 6 of 2026.
Detailed information regarding the contents of the goods and their criminal status will be determined by laboratory results, customs documentation, and investigations conducted by the TNI AL in collaboration with the Special Crimes Division (Jampidsus) of the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic of Indonesia.
Furthermore, the tugboats are also suspected of violating maritime shipping regulations as regulated under Law Number 17 of 2008 concerning Shipping, as amended by Law Number 66 of 2024.
The TNI AL emphasised that this success is a tangible manifestation of the readiness and intelligence sharpness of soldiers in the field, as well as excellent synergy between government agencies.
The TNI AL also ensured that the activities of detecting, intercepting, inspecting, and securing the vessels and their cargo were carried out in accordance with the maritime legal regime based on UNCLOS 1982.
“In addition to adhering to UNCLOS 1982 as the international maritime legal framework, the implementation of the TNI AL’s duties in maritime law enforcement is also regulated under Article 9 paragraph (1) letter b of Law Number 3 of 2025 concerning the Amendment to Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian National Armed Forces,” the Navy stated.