Indonesian Navy investigates discovery of suspected unmanned submarine in Gili Trawangan

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Head of the Indonesian Navy’s Information Service (Kadispenal), Admiral Tunggul, stated that the Navy is examining the discovery of a suspected unmanned submarine found in the northern strait of Gili Trawangan, North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Monday (6/4).

“The Navy, through a team of experts from relevant Navy units, will promptly conduct an in-depth examination (technical identification) of the device to determine its origin, function, and any data contained within it,” Tunggul said when confirmed by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Tunggul explained that the unmanned submarine was initially found by fishermen sailing in the area of the northern strait of Gili Trawangan.

The fishermen then reported their find to the nearest Navy personnel. The unmanned submarine was subsequently evacuated and handed over to the Gili Air Naval Post for further investigation.

On the same day, the unmanned submarine was transferred to the Mataram Naval Base for investigation by the Mataram Naval Base Military Police.

“The installation of a police line around the object has been carried out to ensure the investigation procedure runs according to standards,” Tunggul clarified.

There are circulating rumours that the submarine is an underwater monitoring drone belonging to a private company from China.

When asked about this, Tunggul could not yet provide more detailed information.

“The Navy will continue to be fully committed to maintaining the sovereignty and security of Indonesia’s maritime territory, the sovereignty of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia from all forms of unauthorised activities, including the use of underwater devices or equipment by parties who have no interest in Indonesia’s waters,” Tunggul explained.