Indonesian Navy Thwarts Mineral Smuggling in Batam, 25 Containers Seized

Jakarta, KOMPAS.com – The Indonesian Navy, through the Command of the Fleet (Koarmada) of the Republic of Indonesia, thwarted an illegal mineral smuggling attempt in Batam, Riau Islands.

Commander of Koarmada RI, Admiral Denih Hendrata, stated that the operation was carried out by KRI Kujang-642 under Koarmada I’s Coastal Security Command (Guskamla) on Sunday, 17 May 2026.

“Following an in-depth investigation, customs violations and illegal mineral export trade regulations were discovered, which could harm the nation and threaten national sovereignty over natural resource management,” Denih said in a statement on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Navy, in collaboration with the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (PKH) and the Attorney General’s Office, inspected dozens of mineral containers suspected to contain radioactive elements at Batam’s Kodaeral IV Dock in the Riau Islands on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

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

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

According to the First Executive Deputy Chair of the PKH Task Force, initial inspection results will be further reviewed to determine the legal aspects and types of violations found.

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

He noted that smuggling of strategic minerals has drawn President Prabowo Subianto’s attention due to its connection to natural resource management and potential national losses.