KSAL Warns of Smuggling During Lebaran Homecoming, TNI AL Prepares Tight Security on Sea Routes

JAKARTA - The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian National Army Navy (KSAL) Muhammad Ali ordered all ranks to tighten security on the sea route ahead of the 2026 Lebaran homecoming rush.

This step is taken to anticipate the potential for smuggling illegal goods which often increases during the homecoming and return flow.

"Usually they carry out this smuggling on big days to deceive the authorities. But we will still be on standby for border security operations," said Muhammad Ali at a press conference at the Military Sea Crossing Command (Kolinlamil), North Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, March 11.

Ali explained that security would be tightened on various sea routes, both main routes and small routes that are often used as smuggling routes.

In addition, the Indonesian Navy has also increased security intensity to ensure that the sea lanes used by pilgrims remain safe and conducive during the Lebaran period.

However, Ali has not detailed the number of personnel and warships that will be deployed during the security operation during Ramadan.

He also did not reveal in detail which waters would be the focus of the guard.

Previously, the Commander of the Regional Command of the Navy III (Dankodaeral III) Uki Prasetia stated that his party would strengthen security in the Jakarta waters.

The strengthening of security was carried out as a follow-up to the Standby Order 1 from the TNI Commander which was conveyed through a telegram some time ago.

"The escalation at sea will clearly be carried out by thickening security in certain places, certain sectors that we have prioritized, namely national vital objects," said Uki when met at the Kodaeral III Headquarters, North Jakarta, Monday (9/3).

Uki explained that the increased security was not only to anticipate the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, but also to maintain the smooth flow of passenger ship traffic during the Lebaran homecoming rush.

However, he also did not specify the number of ships and personnel that would be deployed to secure Jakarta's waters during the period.