Indonesian Navy Fails To Smuggle 20 Tons Of Illegal Solar In Batam Waters

JAKARTA - Lantamal IV Batam thwarted an attempt to smuggle 20 tons of illegal diesel fuel (BBM). Six crew members (ABK), including the captain, were also arrested.

The Commander of the Lantamal IV Military Police (Pomal), Marine Lieutenant Colonel (PM) Joko Hary Mulyono, said the illegal fuel carrier was named KM Meneer. The action took place on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

"It is true that there was an arrest of the ship," said Joko in his statement, Wednesday, July 2.

From the results of the initial inspection, it was known that KM Meneer previously filled the diesel fuel from a tanker in the Batuampar area and planned to dismantle the cargo to a warehouse owned by a party with the initials T in the Tanjung Uncang area.

However, the illegal trip was stopped when the Kujang 642 ship intercepted and secured KM Meneer. The arrests were made without significant resistance.

Allegedly, the ship allegedly belonged to a resident of Lubuk Baja with the initials A. Currently, all ship's cargo and crew are under close supervision under the coordination of the Commander of the Patrol Ship Unit (Dantrol) and the Intelligence Team (Dantim Intel) Lantamal IV.

Joko stated that his party was still investigating to trace smuggling networks that allegedly involved more parties.

"We are still under investigation," said Lt. Col. Joko.

The arrest of KM Meneer underscores the Indonesian Navy's firm stance in maintaining national sea sovereignty and curbing illegal practices in the strategic waters of the Riau Islands.

The practice of the distribution of illegal fuel is often one of the biggest challenges in the region, given the high intensity of sea traffic and vulnerability of supervision.

The Indonesian Navy stated that it would continue to strengthen sea operations, patrols, and cross-sectoral cooperation to dismantle illegal fuel distribution networks that harm the state and have the potential to threaten national maritime security stability.