Tuesday, 28 July 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - The Regional Naval Command (Kodaeral) IV of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), under the Indonesian Fleet Command (Koarmada RI), has successfully thwarted an attempt to illegally smuggle approximately 1.9 tons of tin sand to Malaysia. A total of 50 sacks containing tin sand were seized, which were allegedly intended to be transported out of Indonesia through the waters of Karimun. The operation was carried out by the Tanjung Balai Karimun Naval Base (Lanal) following public reports regarding suspicious activities in the maritime area.
Kodaeral IV Commander Rear Admiral (Laksda TNI) Berkat Widjanarko led a press conference on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the headquarters of Lanal Tanjung Balai Karimun to announce the successful prevention of the smuggling attempt. He was accompanied by the Kodaeral IV Inspector General, planning staff, intelligence staff, operations staff, coastal defense unit commander, head of Kodaeral IV intelligence, and Commander of Lanal Tanjung Balai Karimun.The press conference was also attended by representatives from the Karimun Regency Government, the Customs and Excise Office (DJBC) of the Riau Islands, Karimun Police, Karimun Prosecutor's Office, Karimun District Court representatives, and Kodaeral IV personnel who participated through a Zoom connection.
"This success is a concrete implementation of the Indonesian Navy leadership's instructions to support government policies in combating natural resource smuggling, supporting raw material processing programs, and protecting Indonesia's mineral wealth so that it can provide maximum benefits for the people," said Laksda TNI Berkat Widjanarko.
The investigation began after a public report was received on July 20, 2026, regarding suspicious activities allegedly linked to a planned shipment of tin sand to Malaysia. Following the report, the Quick Response Team of Region Command IV from Lanal Tanjung Balai Karimun, together with the Cakra-26.K Operation Task Force from the Pusintelal Intelligence Division, conducted surveillance and interception operations in the Pelambung waters, Karimun.The surveillance operation resulted in the interception of a fiberglass speedboat equipped with two engines, each producing 200 horsepower, at approximately 1:45 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB). Officers discovered 50 sacks of tin sand weighing around 1,900 kilograms and detained one person at the scene.
Initial investigations identified five individuals allegedly involved in the illegal activity. The suspects, identified by the initials DS, W, A, OA, and I, are believed to have played different roles, including as the owner of the cargo, boat operator, and crew members.Laboratory testing of samples from the seized material confirmed that the substance contained a relatively high level of tin (Sn). The examination results showed that the material was a mining product that had not yet undergone its initial processing stage.
The Kodaeral IV Commander stated that the prevention of the smuggling attempt had also avoided a potential state financial loss estimated at Rp1.52 billion. The calculation was based on the estimated selling price of tin sand in Malaysia."The disclosure of this case demonstrates the Indonesian Navy's readiness in carrying out maritime law enforcement duties, strengthening surveillance in border areas, and optimizing inter-agency cooperation to combat various forms of cross-border crime," said Laksda TNI Berkat Widjanarko.
The criminal investigation will proceed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Joint investigators will also examine the individual roles of all parties allegedly involved in the illegal transportation of tin sand overseas.
The Kodaeral IV Commander emphasized that the Indonesian Navy would continue strengthening patrols, surveillance, and law enforcement operations in Indonesian territorial waters. The focus will include various crimes that could harm the state, such as the smuggling of minerals and coal (minerba), narcotics, and other forms of cross-border criminal activities."The Indonesian Navy will continue to strengthen patrols, surveillance, and law enforcement efforts in Indonesian waters, particularly against the smuggling of minerals and coal, narcotics, and other crimes that may harm the state. The TNI AL also calls on the public to remain actively involved by providing information whenever suspicious maritime activities are detected, as part of collective efforts to protect national sovereignty and Indonesia's natural resources," Laksda TNI Berkat Widjanarko concluded. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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