Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has successfully thwarted a lobster seed smuggling attempt of 88,200 baby lobsters in Batam, Riau Islands, with a potential loss to the state of Rp 13.2 billion (approximately $840,000).
According to Pung Nugroho Saksono, Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), the smugglers employed a new method by using an unusual vessel, a high-speed boat, to evade capture.
“Fortunately, last night, the PSDKP team managed to secure the smugglers as they were about to transfer 49 boxes of BBL to a speedboat. A chase ensued, but the smugglers intentionally beached their boat on a nearby island and escaped, leaving behind the contraband, which we successfully seized. The value of the confiscated goods is approximately Rp 13.2 billion,” Saksono stated during the press on Thursday, October 10.
While the suspects managed to escape, the seized lobster seeds were taken to the PSDKP base in Batam. They will either be released back into the waters of the Riau Islands or used for cultivation at the Batam Marine Aquaculture Center under the Directorate General of Aquaculture.
“Once again, the KKP, through PSDKP, is committed to conducting regular operations to protect Batam’s waters from smugglers attempting to illegally export baby lobsters to neighboring countries,” he emphasized.
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This operation comes as part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to combat the illegal trade of lobster seeds. Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has urged the PSDKP to remain steadfast in confronting smuggling networks. The issue of BBL smuggling has been a major concern for the ministry, following the introduction of Ministerial Regulation No. 7 of 2024, which governs the management of lobster resources in Indonesia.
To ensure the effective implementation of this regulation, the ministry has also established the Program Management Office (PMO 724). This program is designed to oversee all aspects of lobster management, from seed collection and cultivation to the monitoring of this valuable fishery commodity.
Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, through its surveillance team and the Program Management Office, seized the contraband and remains committed to protecting Indonesia’s marine resources. This operation is part of a larger effort to combat lobster seed smuggling and oversees the sustainable management of lobsters in the country.
(Raidi/Agung)
