TNI Air Force Repeatedly Intercepts Foreign Aircraft in Eastern Indonesia

The Commander of the Joint Regional Defence Command (Pangkogabwilhan) III, Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, explained that throughout the first semester of 2026, various law enforcement actions were carried out in an integrated manner. Through the synergy of the TNI, Customs, Airport Aviation Security, local governments, and related agencies, actions were taken against activities that could degrade the nation and state.

‘Various operations were focused on eradicating narcotics networks, the smuggling of firearms and ammunition, trade in protected wildlife, illegal distribution of fuel, and the circulation of illicit liquor that could disrupt security stability, particularly in the Papua region and eastern Indonesian waters,’ Lucky said in a press release in Jakarta on Monday (6/7/2026).

In maritime operations, Lucky noted that TNI task forces in the field successfully thwarted various illegal activities that used sea lanes for distribution and smuggling. The operational results demonstrated significant success.

‘Meanwhile in the air, our fighter aircraft fleet repeatedly prevented foreign aircraft from entering without permission and provided information to warships regarding foreign vessels trespassing into NKRI territory, and together with related agencies managed to thwart various smuggling attempts at airports and ports in Papua,’ Lucky stated.

Furthermore, he added that during the first semester of this year, the TNI task force also successfully took action against four cases of arms and ammunition smuggling, illegal fuel cases, six cases of wildlife smuggling, five narcotics cases, and 24 cases of illicit liquor distribution.