Joint Task Force Foils Smuggling of 6 Tonnes of Indonesian Tin Ore Again

The Tri Cakti Field Unit Joint Team, the Marine Intelligence Centre Special Task Force, and the Air Kantung Post successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle around six tonnes of illegal tin ore in the Air Kantung area, Sungailiat, Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, on Friday evening (19/6/2026). The successful operation not only prevented the exit of a nationally strategic mineral commodity through illegal channels but also saved potential state losses estimated at around Rp5.6 billion. In uncovering this case, the Tri Cakti Field Unit found indications of involvement by individuals suspected of acting as backers in the distribution and planned shipment of the illegal tin ore. These allegations are currently being further investigated by the authorities to ascertain the roles and involvement of each party based on evidence obtained in the field. The operation began with intelligence information received by the Tri Cakti Field Unit on Friday (19/6) at around 18.10 WIB regarding a plan to ship illegal tin ore abroad via sea routes. Following up on this information, the joint team immediately carried out patrols, surveillance, and blockades in the area suspected to be the loading point for the commodity shipment. At around 19.00 WIB, the Tri Cakti Field Unit team managed to stop a transport truck suspected of carrying illegal tin ore along with an escort vehicle at the scene. The team then inspected the vehicles, driver, and other parties present to verify the legality of the cargo and the completeness of the transport documents. Initial examination found indications that the cargo was not accompanied by valid documents as required under the laws and regulations governing mineral and coal trading. Subsequently, all cargo and related parties were secured for further examination and investigation. From the operation, the Tri Cakti Field Unit secured approximately 200 sacks, or roughly six tonnes of tin ore, which had been packaged and were ready for transport via illegal distribution channels. In addition to the main commodity, the unit also seized other evidence including a homemade firearm, ammunition, service attributes, ATM cards, SIM cards, mobile phones, foreign currency, and several documents allegedly related to the transaction and distribution activities. The team also found identity documents suspected to be inconsistent with the holders’ true identities, as well as travel documents currently undergoing verification and further investigation to determine their connection to the network involved in the smuggling activity. The operation’s success not only thwarted the smuggling of a nationally strategic mineral commodity but also secured potential state losses estimated at around Rp5.6 billion. This value stems from potential lost state revenue, tax obligations, non-tax state revenue, and economic losses caused by trading outside legal mechanisms. Mineral smuggling not only impacts state revenue but also has the potential to damage national mining sector governance, create unfair business competition, and hinder the government’s efforts to achieve transparent, accountable, and sustainable natural resource management. The suspected parties have been handed over to the relevant authorities for legal proceedings, while the evidence has been secured for further investigation. The joint team continues to deepen its investigation to uncover the origin of the commodity, distribution routes, funding patterns, and identify other parties suspected of being involved in the smuggling network. The investigation also aims to reveal the possible existence of a wider network involved in the collection, transportation, and planned shipment of the commodity abroad. The successful uncovering of this case demonstrates the Tri Cakti Field Unit’s commitment to safeguarding national natural resource wealth and supporting law enforcement against all forms of illegal activity detrimental to the state. The unit will continue to strengthen synergy with all stakeholders to prevent smuggling and illegal mineral trading practices and ensure that the utilisation of Indonesia’s natural resources is carried out legally, transparently, and provides maximum benefit for the nation and state.