Customs And Excise Receive Evidence Of Catching Sugar And Illegal Rice From Bakamla, Where Are The Ships And Crew Members?

TANJUNG SELOR - Tarakan City Customs Office, North Kalimantan (Kaltara) received evidence of Bakamla's catch in the form of sugar and illegal rice from Malaysia.

The two illegal items were confiscated by Bakamla from a wooden ship KM Lintas Samudra 07 which was arrested in the waters of Sei Mosquito, Sebatik, Nunukan Regency, on April 27, 2025.

Head of the Tarakan Customs Counseling and Information Service Section Andi Herwanto said the submission of evidence from Bakamla was carried out on May 5.

"It's true, we have received the evidence from Bakamla RI, now we are in the process of investigating to identify the violations," said Andi Herwanto, Tuesday, May 27.

"Evidence submitted, 5,000 kilograms (5 tons) of rice and 9,600 kilograms (9.6 tons) of sugar with a total of 14.6 tons. So it's not 19.6 tons as written by the media (report). ," he continued.

Andi said that his party would conduct research on the origin of the smuggled goods, including elements of violations.

"What we are investigating is related to alleged violations, including the documents," he said.

When confirmed regarding the status of the wooden ship KM Lintas Samudra 07 and its crew members (ABK) carrying the illegal goods, Andi emphasized that the ship's evidence was not included in the minutes of the submission of evidence.

"When it comes to the ship and the status of its crew, please ask directly to Bakamla, which is clearly not included in the minutes," he said.

Andi explained that Customs and Excise knew about this smuggling case through media reports. It is committed to transparency.

"We will immediately convey the results of the research to fellow journalists as soon as the process is complete," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations of the North Kalimantan Police, Kombes Pol. Budi Rahmat, said that the results of the disclosure of the smuggling case allegedly involved a member of the Polairud Polda Kaltara with the initials Bripka L. His party is still waiting for the results of the Bakamla examination.

"Regarding this information, according to the legal process, it is with Bakamla, please confirm with Bakamla RI's public relations. Is there a connection with the police officers, there needs to be legal evidence.

"If it is proven that the internal element will not be followed up," he said.