Indonesian Navy Investigates 25 Suspected Radioactive Mineral Containers in Batam

JAKARTA – The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), along with the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH) and the Attorney General’s Office, inspected dozens of mineral containers suspected of containing radioactive elements at Kodaeral IV Dock in Batam, Riau Islands, on Tuesday (26 May 2026).

Lieutenant General Richard Tampubolon, Chief of General Staff of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), stated in a TNI press release on Wednesday (27 May 2026): “During the inspection, we opened 15 out of 25 containers to verify the cargo against export and shipping documents.”

“This activity is part of law enforcement efforts and inter-agency synergy to monitor the management of national natural resources so they are not misused and continue to benefit the country,” he added.

According to the First Executive Vice Chairman of the Satgas PKH, the initial inspection results will undergo further review to determine legal aspects and the type of violations found.

“The findings will be reviewed legally and assessed,” he said.

Tampubolon said the Indonesian Navy would continue to tighten maritime surveillance to prevent smuggling of strategic natural resources, including rare earth minerals.

He noted that smuggling of strategic minerals is a priority for President Prabowo Subianto due to its implications for natural resource management and potential national losses.

During the inspection, Tampubolon was accompanied by Febrie Adriansyah, Executive Chairman of the Satgas PKH and Special Prosecutor of the Attorney General’s Office, as well as Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata, Commander of the Western Fleet of the Indonesian Navy.