Indonesian Navy strengthens anti-access operations to prevent natural resource smuggling
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Navy is intensifying anti-access and anti-area denial (A2/AD) operational exercises as part of efforts to safeguard territorial waters and prevent the smuggling of strategic natural resources from Indonesia.
Rear Admiral Yayan Sofiyan, Assistant for Operations of the Chief of Naval Staff, stated that these exercises represent a concrete contribution by the Indonesian Navy in supporting the President’s directive to strengthen maritime law enforcement.
“Recently the Indonesian Navy conducted anti-access operational exercises and anti-area denial operational drills,” said Yayan during the farewell ceremony for a free mudik (homecoming) programme using the naval vessel KRI Semarang-594 at the Kolinlamil Wharf in North Jakarta on Sunday.
He explained that the anti-access operational concept is fundamentally designed to anticipate adversary logistical routes in conflict situations. However, in peacetime conditions, this concept can also be implemented to disrupt the distribution routes of illegal maritime activities.
“This anti-access operation is to anticipate enemy logistical routes. However, in peacetime it can also be used to cut off access to illegal activities that transport strategic materials from within the country for smuggling abroad,” he said.
According to Yayan, the Bangka Belitung Islands region is among the key areas receiving attention in these operations because of its strategic natural resources, particularly high-value tin commodities.
He noted that during the 2025 to 2026 period, the Indonesian Navy has deployed at least 28 warships to conduct blockades and security patrols in the region’s territorial waters.
“From 2025 through 2026, no fewer than 28 naval vessels have conducted blockade operations in Bangka Belitung waters,” he said.
From these operations, Indonesian Navy personnel have successfully prevented approximately 448 tonnes of tin from being smuggled abroad, with an estimated economic value reaching Rp146 billion.
Yayan emphasised that law enforcement operations in the region continue as part of efforts to protect the nation’s strategic natural resources.
In addition to maritime patrols and blockades, the Indonesian Navy also conducts various maritime operational exercises to enhance the readiness of personnel and naval vessels in facing potential security threats to national waters.