TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Bakamla foils tin smuggling attempt to Malaysia
Maritime authorities have impounded a vessel loaded with undocumented tin sand destined for Malaysia and detained its crew on suspicion of smuggling, after the same vessel allegedly completed three previous trips transporting the illicit material.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
An armed member of the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) guards 30 tonnes of illegal tin sand aboard the KM Doa Restu Ibu Jaya on April 28, 2025, after intercepting the smuggling attempt headed for Mersing in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. (Antara/Teguh Prihatna)
T
he Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) has thwarted an alleged attempt to smuggle 30 tonnes of tin sand worth Rp 15 billion (US$905,000) from the Riau Islands to neighboring Malaysia.
Cdre. Bambang Trijanto, commander of Bakamla’s Western Maritime Zone, said patrol vessel KN Tanjung Datu-301 intercepted KM Doa Restu Ibu Jaya on April 25 as the wooden motorboat was transporting the tin in the waters near Lingga Island in the province.
“At the time, Bakamla personnel noticed the boat was drifting aimlessly due to an engine malfunction and boarded to offer assistance,” Bambang said recently as quoted by Kompas.com.
“However, when questioned about their [port of] origin and destination, the five crew members on board were unable to provide clear answers, which raised suspicion,” he said.
Bambang said the Bakamla personnel then instructed the crew to open the cargo hold, where they discovered tin sand in 600 sacks weighing 50 kilograms each.
The crew of the Doa Restu Ibu Jaya said they planned to transport the tin sand to Mersing in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, but were unable to provide an export permit and other necessary shipping documents.
“We decided to tow the boat to a port on Batam Island [...] so the Riau Islands Police could conduct an investigation,” Bambang added. Meanwhile, Bakamla was looking into whether an individual or a company had purchased the undocumented tin shipment.
Your Opinion Matters
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Enter at least 30 characters
0
/ 30
Thank you
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
