Bakamla Searches 3 Illegal Sand Mining Vessels In Karimun Waters

Bakamla RI searched three illegal sand mining vessels in Karimun waters. BETWEEN ANTARA/HO-Bakamla RI.

Bakamla through KN Bintang Laut-401 inspected and searched three ships suspected of carrying out illegal activities around the waters of Babi Island, Tanjung Balai Karimun.

The commander of KN Bintang Laut-401, Lt. Col. Bakamla Andi Christy Mahendra, explained that at 08.30 WIB, KN Bintang Laut-401, which was carrying out patrols, received radar contact with a distance of 0.8 NM.

Responding to this, the KN Bintang Laut-401 crew monitored using binoculars, and the visuals of the KM Nurul Yakin Baru ship, KM HARY, and KM Cinta Damai were carrying out sand mining activities.

With this illegal activity, Lt. Col. Bakamla Andi assigned the KN Bintang Laut-401 crew to conduct further investigations using a torch.

"At 09.00 WIB, the inspection team arrived at the radar location, and gave orders to immediately stop mining activities. A total of nine crew members (3 crew members including the captain on each ship) were also investigated," said Lt. Col. Bakamla Andi as reported by ANTARA, Friday, June 28.

The results of the inspection obtained, KM Cinta Damai transported approximately 30 tons of sea sand with the help of KM Nurul Yakin, which is a sand mining ship, while KM HARY is still empty, because it is waiting for its turn to fit.

The three Indonesian-flagged ships are suspected of having violated Article 16A JO 16 Paragraph (2) of Law No. 6 of 2023 concerning Stipulation of Law No. 2 of 2022 concerning Job Creation into Law and Article 23 Paragraph (1) JO Article 10 Paragraph (1) PP No. 26 of 2023 concerning Management of sedimentation in the Sea.

The violation was imposed because the three ships carried out sea sand mining activities outside the area, as stated in the Letter of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries regarding approval of sea space utilization activities No: B.1060/MEN-KP/VII/2023. Also, the Decree of the Governor of the Riau Islands NO: 347/1Ga.13/DPMPTSP/6/20 concerning the People's Mining Permit (IPL) of the Malay Children's Rezeki Association.

"After carrying out the inspection, the three ships were taken to the Batam Bakamla Base Pier for follow-up," said Lt. Col. Bakamla Andi.