Satgas PKH uncovers suspected violations in rare earth mineral export documentation in Batam

JAKARTA — The Forest Area Clearance Task Force (Satgas PKH) has uncovered suspected violations in export documentation for rare earth minerals at Kodaeral IV Terminal in Batam, Riau Islands. The inspection was conducted by the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) and Satgas PKH Chairman Febrie Adriansyah, alongside TNI Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Richard Tampubolon on Tuesday, 27 May 2026. Satgas PKH spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak said the suspected violations were identified after the team inspected containers previously seized by the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL). ‘There is strong suspicion of violations related to documents required for export activities. Several pieces of evidence must be accompanied by specific documents, and some items are prohibited under export trade regulations,’ Simanjuntak said on Thursday, 28 May 2026. The inspection followed a report from Indonesian Navy investigators on 17 May 2026 regarding the seizure of a vessel carrying minerals suspected to contain radioactive elements. Simanjuntak explained that the Navy’s field findings will serve as the basis for law enforcement agencies to determine if criminal elements are present. ‘The Indonesian Navy, as the agency conducting on-site enforcement, reported the findings to law enforcement authorities. This will form the basis for subsequent legal action to determine if there are elements of corruption, abuse of authority, or document forgery,’ he added. The Attorney General’s Office investigation team is present to ensure the legal process adheres to applicable regulations. ‘The inspection results will be reviewed legally and assessed,’ Richard said on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. According to him, the container inspection is part of law enforcement efforts and interagency coordination to monitor the management of national natural resources and prevent misuse. Richard emphasised that the Indonesian Navy will continue to tighten maritime surveillance to prevent smuggling of strategic natural resources, including rare earth minerals. ‘The TNI leadership has stated that the Navy will take firm action against all smuggling attempts via maritime routes,’ he added.