Navy foils timber smuggling attempt

Haidir A. Tanjung and Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam/Pekanbaru

The Navy in Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau, have intercepted tandem tugboats attempting to smuggle 84 containers of processed timber worth Rp 85 billion (US$ 9.1 million) to Singapore.

The vessel was stopped in Riau waters and detained after the boat's captain, Osman Simangunsong, was unable to show the necessary documents.

Simangunsong did produce an export document from the customs office in Pekan Baru, Riau, but it had expired.

Tanjungbalai Karimun naval base Chief Maj. Purwanto on Thursday confirmed the arrest, saying his staff were still investigating the origin of the timber and boats' crews.

"We're still investigating the businessperson who tried to smuggle the timber. It is not only the ship's captain (to be investigated), but also the owner of the timber."

He said the wood was destined for Shanghai via Singapore.

Smuggling is rampant in Riau's waters and is mainly because of a lack of security personnel and its proximity to other countries. Smuggling is attractive because of large profits and the lack of deterrent sentences.

The Navy also captured five ships and their crews for fishing illegally on the waters.

Tanjung Balai Karimun legislative council chairman Bakir meanwhile hailed the Navy's good performance, saying the smuggling must be investigated thoroughly and the smugglers be taken to court.