August 10, 2026 | 07:50 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is committed to strengthening maritime security along the nation's borders, particularly in key smuggling corridors such as the Riau Islands, following the successful interception of a foreign vessel carrying drugs.
Indonesian Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata said in Batam on Sunday that the nation's archipelagic geography, characterized by extensive coastlines and multiple entry points, presents significant vulnerabilities to transnational smuggling networks.
“This country is an archipelagic nation, with numerous access points that can be exploited. Therefore, strengthening the capabilities of the Indonesian Navy, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Customs and Excise, intelligence agencies and other operational agencies is essential,” Hendrata said.
The security push comes after joint forces intercepted the MV King Sun north of Tanjung Berakit on Thursday (August 6), seizing nearly 1.3 tons of ketamine.
Hendrata emphasized that tighter border enforcement aligns with the government's Astacita priority agenda, which focuses on eradicating narcotics trafficking and preventing illegal trade that undermines state revenue.
To combat transnational networks, the Navy is combining routine sector-based patrols with integrated surveillance technology to identify “dark ships”—vessels that deliberately disable tracking systems or manipulate their identities to evade detection.
Hendrata explained that radar systems and specialized tracking applications detected anomalous movements by the MV King Sun before its interception.
“The ship's destination was outside Indonesia, but its modus operandi was to circumvent Indonesian territory. Once a ship enters Indonesian waters, it falls under our legal jurisdiction, and we will take immediate action,” he said.
Investigators are currently probing whether the MV King Sun used false documentation or altered its vessel name to bypass maritime security measures.
Hendrata reaffirmed that the Navy will continue expanding inter-agency cooperation with BNN, intelligence authorities and Customs to prevent Indonesian waters from being used as transit corridors or destination points for illegal contraband.
Indonesia's Eko Yuli Irawan Eyes Sixth Asian Games Medal at Aichi-Nagoya 2026
41 menit lalu
Indonesian veteran weightlifter Eko Yuli Irawan is projected to compete at 2026 Asian Games, scheduled for September-October in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Bali Kite Festival Draws 1,685 Traditional and Creative Kites in Sanur
52 menit lalu
Bali's 17th Mel Tanjung Kite Festival brought 1,685 kites to Sanur, preserving traditional kite-flying culture while encouraging youth creativity.
Indonesia Promotes Pyrolysis Technology to Turn Waste Into Renewable Fuel
1 jam lalu
Indonesia promotes pyrolysis technology to convert landfill waste into renewable fuel, complementing waste-to-energy plants that cover only 22% of was
Indonesia Wins 19 Medals at 2026 China-ASEAN Speed Roller Skating Championships
1 jam lalu
Indonesia won 19 medals, including 14 golds, at the 2026 China-ASEAN Speed Roller Skating Championships in Fujian, China.
PSSI Tells Fans Not to Blame Players After Indonesia's AFF Cup Exit
2 jam lalu
PSSI urges Indonesian fans not to vilify players and coaches after the national team missed the 2026 AFF Cup semifinals following a 1-1 draw.
Indonesian Athletes Finish in Top 10 at 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships
2 jam lalu
Young Indonesian athletes Anugrah Styawan Pujo Santoso and Hoshi Fatihah Azharah finished in the top 10 at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships
Indonesia's Bengkulu Hit by 5.5-Magnitude Earthquake, No Tsunami Threat
2 jam lalu
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck southeast of Enggano, Bengkulu
Fact Check: Is This Ancient Temple Candi Layang Really in Central Java?
2 jam lalu
Fact check - There is no evidence that the video was recorded in Central Java or at any other archaeological site in Indonesia.
Indonesia to Hold People's Festival and Carnival for Independence Day
12 jam lalu
Indonesia closes registration for its 81st Independence Day ceremony as it prepares a public People's Festival and Independence Carnival.
Jakarta Sets Public Transport Fares at Rp1 for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day
12 jam lalu
Jakarta has implemented a special transportation fare of only Rp1 to commemorate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day.
