Tanjungpandan, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has seized 514.1 tons of illegally mined minerals valued at Rp10.25 trillion (approximately US$656 million) through maritime security operations across Indonesian waters in 2026.
Commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command (Pangkoarmada RI), Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata, said the operations targeted illegal shipments of tin sand, coal, and other mineral resources.
In 2025, naval operations seized 343.14 tons of mineral resources valued at Rp102.94 billion (US$6.6 million).
“This increase demonstrates the significant value of state assets secured through Indonesian Navy operations, while underscoring the vital importance of maritime law enforcement against illegal mining and smuggling,” Denih told reporters in Tanjungpandan on Thursday.
Among the Navy’s notable operations in 2026 was a major crackdown in the Bangka Belitung region conducted from August 2 to 13, during which naval forces intercepted approximately 75.7 tons of illegal tin sand worth an estimated Rp76.04 billion (US$4.87 million).
Beyond mineral enforcement, the Navy also recorded significant results in maritime counter-narcotics operations.
In 2025, naval operations intercepted 4.81 tons of narcotics, potentially preventing an estimated 20.7 million people from being exposed to the drugs and avoiding potential rehabilitation costs of Rp207 trillion (US$13.26 billion).
In 2026, the Navy thwarted the trafficking of an additional 1.3 tons of illicit drugs, potentially protecting around 13 million people and preventing estimated rehabilitation costs of Rp130.3 trillion (US$8.35 billion).
Denih attributed the operational successes to joint coordination among the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), National Police (Polri), National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Directorate General of Customs and Excise, and Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla).
He stressed that the Navy would continue to expand patrols and intelligence sharing to safeguard Indonesia’s natural resources and strengthen maritime law enforcement.
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Translator: Kasmono, Apriliansyah, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Primayanti
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