Ministry Of Transportation Secures Vanuatu Flagd Ship In Bintan Waters Allegedly Disposal Of Waste

Director of the Sea and Coast Guard Unit (KPLP) of the Directorate General of Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation Jon Kenedi at a press conference at the Tanjung Uban PPLP Pier, Riau Islands, Saturday (4/1/2025). BETWEEN

The Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has secured a Vanuatu-flagged ship with six crew members of a Russian citizen (WNA) in the waters of Tanjung Berakit, Bintan, Riau Islands.

Director of the Marine and Coast Guard Unit (KPLP) of the Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation Jon Kenedi in a statement in Jakarta, Saturday, said the arrests were made after officers received reports regarding the whereabouts of the foreign ship.

"The Tanjung Uban Class II PLP base immediately dispatched the KN Patrol Vessel. Sarotama 112 to conduct an investigation. The Vanuatu-flagged fishing boat and six Russian national crew were successfully secured," said Jon.

He said that the arrests were made after the ship sailed around the waters of Tanjung Berkit without a clear direction based on the Batam Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) data.

This was done by the Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation through the Class II Tanjung Uban Marine and Coast Guard Base (PPLP).

"The foreign ship with Vanuatu flag, Fianit NYDH3, was secured with six Russian crew members in the waters of Tanjung Berakit, Bintan, on Tuesday (31/12/2024) night," he said.

Currently, the ship and the entire crew have been secured at the Tanjung Uban PPLP Pier for further inspection.

Based on the results of the initial investigation, the captain admitted that the ship suffered engine failure while passing. However, his party was unable to show official ship documents, including a sailing permit.

"The ship claims to have sailed from India, but the travel destination is unclear because the documents cannot yet be shown," added Jon.

Until now, the team of Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) of the Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation is still investigating the case to ensure ship activities because it is indicated that there is a potential loss to the state in the form of non-tax state revenue (PNBP) and violations of laws and regulations in the shipping sector.

In addition to harming the state, the ship is suspected of carrying out illegal activities around the Tanjung Berakit anchor area such as disposing of waste and transporting B3 waste (toxic and hazardous materials) without permission to interfere with shipping security and safety.

Therefore, continued Jon, the KPLP Patrol Vessel took firm action against the perpetrators of the shipping crime.

"This step shows our commitment to maintaining the security of Indonesian territorial waters from illegal activities, especially in strategic areas such as the waters of Tanjung Berakit," said Jon.