Friday, 29 May 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM – The Indonesian Armed Forces' Chief of General Staff (Kasum TNI), Lieutenant General TNI Richard Taruli H. Tampubolon, conducted a direct inspection of the seized vessel TB Capricorn 106/TK Capricorn 92.210 at the pier of Mako Kodaeral IV, Batam. The operation was carried out alongside the Task Force for Forest Area Enforcement and other related authorities investigating a major mineral smuggling attempt.
The ship was intercepted during a joint maritime operation that uncovered an alleged smuggling attempt involving approximately 390 tons of minerals and coal (minerba), suspected to contain rare earth elements and radioactive materials. The interception was executed by the Indonesian Navy on May 17, 2026, through the warship KRI Kujang-642 under the operational command of Guskamla Koarmada I.
Joint Inspection at Kodaeral IV Naval Base
Upon arrival from Jakarta, the delegation was received by the Commander of Kodaeral IV, Vice Admiral TNI Berkat Widjanarko, along with senior military officials. Initial findings of the investigation were presented at Hang Nadim Airport's VIP terminal in Batam, outlining the progress of the case and ongoing forensic examination of the seized cargo.Officials also reviewed the status of the investigation into mineral shipments suspected of containing strategic and potentially hazardous materials, including rare earth components and radioactive substances.
Laboratory Findings Reveal Rare Earth and Radioactive ElementsThe inspection continued at the Kodaeral IV harbor, where the confiscated vessel and 25 containers of evidence were examined in detail by Kasum TNI and the joint investigative team.
Laboratory analysis conducted by PT Timah Kundur in Tanjung Balai Karimun identified ilmenite containing titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in samples from 15 containers. Further testing reportedly detected rare earth elements and radioactive compounds, including zirconium oxide, thorium oxide, neodymium oxide, triuranium oxides, and cerium oxide. Authorities estimate the total value of the seized cargo could reach trillions of rupiah.
Strengthening Maritime Security and Law Enforcement
The operation highlights the strong coordination between the military and civilian institutions in combating illegal maritime activities and safeguarding Indonesia's strategic natural resources.The Fleet Commander emphasized that the success of the operation reflects the Navy's high level of readiness in protecting national sovereignty and securing maritime borders.
Commander of Kodaeral IV reiterated that surveillance efforts across Indonesian waters will continue to be strengthened, particularly against illegal mineral and resource exploitation activities."This interception is proof of the implementation of directives from the President of the Republic of Indonesia and the Commander of the TNI, in collaboration with all relevant institutions to safeguard national sovereignty and strategic natural resources," he stated. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
