BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Kodaeral IV has reaffirmed its support for the establishment of a joint security task force to protect the "Kawasan Keselamatan Operasi Penerbangan" (KKOP) at Hang Nadim Airport in Batam.
The initiative aims to strengthen surveillance of the airspace and surrounding airport safety zone while curbing illegal activities, particularly sand mining.
Strengthening Interagency Coordination
A coordination meeting held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Security Directorate (Ditpam) meeting room of the Batam Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam) brought together multiple government agencies to discuss the proposed task force.
Kodaeral IV was represented by Deputy Operations Commander (Asops Dankodaeral IV), Colonel (Navy) M. Catur Soelistyono, S.H., CHRMP. The meeting was also attended by representatives from Polresta Barelang, BP Batam's security directorate, Hang Nadim Airport Authority, the Batam municipal government, and other relevant institutions.
All participants agreed on the importance of stronger interagency coordination to ensure the long-term protection of strategic infrastructure surrounding Hang Nadim Airport.
AIRPORT SECURITY STRENGTHENED: Asops Kodaeral IV Colonel (Navy) M. Catur Soelistyono reiterates support for enhanced KKOP security measures in Batam. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Illegal Sand Mining Under Scrutiny
One of the main concerns raised during the meeting was the increasing occurrence of illegal sand mining within the KKOP zone. Authorities warned that such activities pose a serious threat not only to aviation safety but also to the stability of state assets in the Riau Islands Province.
The participating agencies emphasized the need for firm, coordinated, and systematic enforcement measures to effectively curb these illegal operations.
COMBATING ILLEGAL SAND MINING: Polresta Barelang and related institutions discuss countermeasures against illegal sand extraction around Hang Nadim Airport. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Task Force to Safeguard Aviation Safety
Kodaeral IV strongly supports the formation of an integrated KKOP Security Task Force at Hang Nadim Airport. The proposed task force is expected to function as a coordinated monitoring and enforcement body to address illegal activities within the airport's safety zone.
Through this cross-sector collaboration, authorities aim to reinforce the protection of national strategic assets and ensure the long-term safety and security of aviation operations in Batam. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala