KEPULAUAN RIAU | INDATANEWS.COM - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has once again demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding the security and sovereignty of Indonesia's maritime territories. In the waters of Pekajang Besar, Lingga Regency, Riau Islands Province, naval personnel successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle illegal tin sand.
During the operation, authorities seized a total of 42 sacks of tin sand weighing approximately 1.627 tons. The illegal mineral commodity is estimated to have an economic value of around Rp1.337.600.000. In addition to securing the evidence, officers also arrested a person suspected of being involved in the illegal smuggling activities.
The case was revealed during a press conference held at the headquarters of Naval Base (Lanal) Dabo Singkep on Monday, August 3, 2026. The event was led directly by Commander of Kodaeral IV, Rear Admiral TNI Berkat Widjanarko, S.E., M.Tr.Opsla., accompanied by senior officers from Kodaeral IV and the Commander of Lanal Dabo Singkep.
The press conference was also attended by representatives from the Lingga Regency Government, Lingga Police, Lingga Prosecutor's Office, and Lingga Customs Office. The involvement of various institutions highlights the strong cooperation among agencies in strengthening law enforcement efforts across the maritime areas of the Riau Islands.
Hidden Tin Sand Found Beneath Floating Fish Farm
The discovery of the illegal tin sand smuggling operation was the result of a joint operation conducted by the Quick Response Region Command IV team of Lanal Dabo Singkep Kodaeral IV, units from Koarmada I through the warship KRI Beladau-643, and the Pusintelal special intelligence unit.
The investigation began on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at around 11:00 WIB, after the Pusintelal operational team received information regarding suspected illegal tin sand smuggling activities in the Pekajang Besar waters.
Following the information, the officers immediately conducted surveillance and patrols in the suspected area. During monitoring activities, personnel discovered two High Speed Craft (HSC) vessels docked near a floating fish farm.
As the officers approached the location, the two boats fled at high speed, preventing immediate interception. The team then expanded its investigation into the owner of the floating facility, which was suspected of being used as a storage and transfer point for the illegal tin sand.
To confirm their suspicions, the Pusintelal team carried out a further inspection by diving beneath the floating platform. During the search, they discovered 42 sacks of tin sand deliberately concealed below the water surface.
Following laboratory testing conducted by PT Timah, the seized tin sand was found to contain tin (Sn) levels ranging between 53 and 67 percent. The high content indicates the material was of high quality, explaining its significant economic value.
TIN SAND SMUGGLING CASE UNCOVERED: Commander of Kodaeral IV Rear Admiral TNI Berkat Widjanarko led a press conference revealing the illegal tin sand smuggling case at the Lanal Dabo Singkep headquarters. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Suspected Shipment to Malaysia Through Ship-to-Ship Method
After securing the evidence, Lanal Dabo Singkep immediately coordinated further actions with nearby naval units. KRI Beladau-643, which was conducting patrol operations in the area, was deployed to the floating facility suspected of being the storage location for the illegal tin sand.
Based on preliminary investigation results, the tin sand was allegedly intended to be transported to Malaysia using the Ship-to-Ship (STS) method. This method involves transferring cargo from one vessel to another in an attempt to avoid detection and inspection by authorities.
During the enforcement operation, officers also arrested an individual identified by the initials H alias AL, who is suspected of being the owner of the floating facility.
In addition to the illegal tin sand, authorities confiscated other pieces of evidence, including a Predator Airgun rifle, a Magnum Jericho 941 airsoft pistol, an identity card (KTP), and two mobile phones.
All evidence and the suspect are currently being held at the Lanal Dabo Singkep headquarters for further investigation. Authorities continue to develop the case to uncover possible larger-scale smuggling networks.
TIN SAND HIDDEN UNDER FLOATING FACILITY: The Indonesian Navy joint team secured 42 sacks of illegal tin sand found hidden beneath a floating platform in the waters of Pekajang Besar, Lingga Regency. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
TNI Navy Reaffirms Protection of Indonesian Waters
Commander of Kodaeral IV Rear Admiral TNI Berkat Widjanarko stated that the success of the operation not only prevented the illegal distribution of strategic mineral resources but also helped avoid potential state losses estimated at Rp1.337 billion.
"The Indonesian Navy will continue to strengthen patrols, monitoring activities, and law enforcement operations across all Indonesian waters. Through cooperation among various institutions, we aim to prevent smuggling activities that threaten national sovereignty and harm the country's economy," said the Commander of Kodaeral IV.
The TNI AL also encouraged the public to actively provide information if suspicious activities are detected in maritime areas. Community involvement is considered an important part of collective efforts to maintain maritime security and protect Indonesia's natural resources. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala