Indonesian Navy thwarts illegal migrant entry attempt

The Indonesian Navy has thwarted an attempt by illegal migrants from Malaysia and Bangladesh to enter Indonesian territory via the coastline of Purnama Village, West Dumai District, Dumai City, Riau, on Monday (31/08).

In an official press release received in Jakarta on Wednesday, it was explained that the interception was carried out by a joint Indonesian Navy team consisting of the Quick Response Team from Lanal Dumai, the B Intelmar Team from Kodaeral I, and the Intelmar Ops Task Force from Koarmada I.

“This effort is conducted to maintain the security of border waters and to protect citizens from human trafficking crimes,” said the Head of the Indonesian Navy Information Service (Kadispen/Penal), Rear Admiral TNI Tunggul, when confirmed in Jakarta.

Tunggul explained that the incident began following intelligence reports indicating suspicious movement of a speedboat from the north of the Malacca Strait heading towards Dumai waters.

Based on that information, personnel immediately moved to inspect the waters on Monday at approximately 06:00 WIB.

After conducting surveillance, officers eventually found the speedboat and its passengers at the coastline.

“When attempting to be apprehended, the perpetrators tried to escape by jumping towards the shore. After a thorough sweep along the coastal area and nearby residential areas, officers successfully secured a total of 16 individuals along with supporting evidence,” Tunggul explained.

Tunggul noted that the 16 migrant workers consisted of eight Malaysian nationals and the remainder were Bangladeshi nationals.

“The 16 individuals and the evidence were immediately taken to the Lanal headquarters to be subsequently handed over to the authorities for the applicable legal process,” he said.

Tunggul reaffirmed that this effort underscores the Indonesian Navy’s commitment to preventing human trafficking and the smuggling of foreign workers. He ensured that Indonesian Navy personnel will continue to strengthen patrols to ensure such practices do not recur.