Indonesian Navy Thwarts Illegal Mineral Smuggling in Batam

Investigations revealed suspected breaches of customs and export regulations for minerals and coal that could harm the nation and threaten national sovereignty over natural resource management.

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Navy, through the Navy Command (Koarmada RI), thwarted an attempt to smuggle illegal minerals in Batam, Riau Islands, suspected of violating customs and export regulations for minerals and coal. Commander of the Navy Command, Admiral Denih Hendrata, said in Jakarta on Wednesday that the operation was conducted by the KRI Kujang-642, under the Guskamla Koarmada I, on Sunday (17 May). ‘Investigations revealed suspected breaches of customs and export regulations for minerals and coal that could harm the nation and threaten national sovereignty over natural resource management,’ Denih said in an official statement. He explained that the case was uncovered following reports of containers suspected to contain minerals in Batam. Inspections by the Indonesian Navy uncovered suspected violations related to the illegal export of minerals. All evidence has been secured and handed over to authorities for further investigation. Chief of Staff of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Lieutenant General Richard Taruli H. Tampubolon, along with Denih and the Chairman of the PKH Task Force at the Attorney General’s Office (Jampidsus), Febrie Adriansyah, inspected the container evidence in Batam on Tuesday (26 May). Richard stated that the operation demonstrated the Indonesian Navy’s commitment to combating the smuggling of natural resources via sea routes. He added that the move aligns with government directives to ensure Indonesia’s natural wealth is not illegally exploited by certain parties. ‘Mineral smuggling, particularly rare earth elements, is a key concern for the government alongside other natural resource smuggling,’ Richard said. He stressed that the military would continue to strengthen surveillance across all Indonesian waters to prevent natural resource smuggling.