MAKI Finds Alleged Toxic Waste Smuggling In Riau Islands

TANJUNG PINANG - The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) discovered the alleged smuggling of goods suspected of hazardous and toxic waste (B3) by 13 ships from abroad to the Riau Islands.

"The findings began when the ships entered the port in Riau Islands but were suspected of not meeting the sailing requirements. One of them is a safety certificate, the status is not yet operational", said MAKI Coordinator, Boyamin Saiman, as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, August 4.

Boyamin said that based on the results of the sampling test by the authorized laboratory on the goods transported by the vessels concerned, it was suspected that the B3 waste was not the same as the document for the goods reported, namely fuel oil.

It is suspected that the B3 waste was smuggled by certain companies to be stockpiled in ex-mining pits in the Riau Islands region, thereby potentially endangering the natural condition of the surrounding environment.

"If it is by the goods, the state should receive non-tax state revenue (PNBP) per ship of IDR 1 billion. But in fact, it is suspected that the administration was only fined by the authorized agency", said Boyamin.

He estimates that the company that smuggles this B3 waste by the sea does not need to be checked for goods.

"Therefore, we will ask the competent authority to revoke the permit for the green line facility or there is no need to check the goods", he said.

Boyamin also asked the Port Authority and Port Authority (KSOP) Office in Riau Islands to carry out investigations and investigations into allegations of sailing without a permit or illegal shipping carried out by ships carrying B3 waste.

"In connection with this case, there are actually many things that can be investigated. Apart from allegations of illegal shipping, there are also allegations of toxic waste, and the loss of state revenue from the PNBP side", said Boyamin.

He also made sure to immediately go to the Riau Islands to report the alleged B3 waste smuggling to the authorities.

Boyamin also asked the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) to conduct an investigation related to allegations of importing waste without a permit.

"The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has recently taken action on the case of smuggling toxic waste in Riau Islands, where a perpetrator was sentenced to 7 years in prison by the Batam District Court", said Boyamin.