Indonesian Warship Intercepts Suspected CPO Oil Pirates in Rupat Strait

The Indonesian Navy vessel (KRI) Beladau-643 has secured a wooden cargo ship suspected of stealing crude palm oil (CPO) in the waters of Rupat Strait, Riau Province.

Commander of KRI Beladau-643, Lieutenant Colonel (N) Akbar Suthawijaya Malik, stated that the action against the ship began when his team conducted a routine patrol in the Rupat Strait sector on Friday (3/4).

“The patrol team detected a wooden cargo ship sailing without lights in the eastern area of Lubuk Gaung. The ship was immediately identified as a suspicious target,” said Akbar in his official statement in Tanjungpinang on Sunday (5/4).

After conducting a pursuit, capture, and investigation according to procedure, officers found that the ship had no name and no official documents.

The approximately seven-metre vessel is known to be flying the Indonesian flag and crewed by five crew members (ABK). Additionally, cargo consisting of CPO oil and FAME was found, suspected to be the result of theft.

“The ship along with the CPO evidence was immediately secured and brought to the Bangsal Aceh Dumai Pier and handed over to the Dumai Naval Post for further processing,” he revealed.

Akbar emphasised that the Indonesian Navy is committed to continuing to maintain the security of national waters, especially from illegal practices such as the theft of natural resources that could harm the state.