Minister calls for improved joint work

BATAM: Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo has placed the blame on poor coordination within the security apparatus for rampant smuggling activities in the Batam, Bintan and Karimun (BKK) free trade zone, Riau Islands province.

Agus raised the issue during his visit to the customs and excise office in Batam. The statement came at the backdrop of the recent attack by a mob of smugglers on officials who were moving to stop the attempted smuggling of alcoholic drinks from Singapore to Batam over the weekend.

“The custom and excise field officials actually have done their job well, but the police’s response was too slow. We will improve the cooperation in the future,” said Agus, adding that his ministry had coordinated with the National Police Chief regarding the matter.

After having seized the ship with its freight, the customs and excise officials said they contacted the police.

However, the response was said to be too slow to prevent the smugglers from hitting back and finally taking the ship back.

Meanwhile, the Batam, Rempang and Galang (Barelang) resort police have yet to name any suspects in the attack. When the attack occurred, a number of Riau Island Police elite reportedly were also at the Batu Ampar port, but they reportedly were observing the attack from a post at the port compound.

It has been a public secret here that smuggling activities in the region have been receiving backup from irresponsible security authorities. The attack over the weekend was seen as further proof of the public’s suspicions. — JP