We have mapped the places where the CPO export distribution paths are; we keep an eye on them as what has been ordered
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy will seize ships found carrying cooking oil and its raw materials, such as crude palm oil (CPO), for export, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Yudo Margono confirmed here on Thursday.

"Because the President has banned (CPO) exports, we will arrest ships that sail for exporting them, but still, we will coordinate with the relevant ministries and institutions," Margono said at the Indonesian Navy Headquarters in Cilangkap, here on Thursday.

Margono assured that all Navy ranks will increase patrols to prevent the smuggling of crude palm oil overseas.

"Obviously (we will tackle smuggling by increasing patrols). We actually have a routine patrol every day. There are 30–40 ships (surveilling) every day in all parts of Indonesia," he informed.

However, the current patrol will prioritize and anticipate the smuggling of CPO, he said.

In addition, he said he has also instructed all Navy personnel to be on standby at CPO export departure points.

"We have mapped the places where the CPO export distribution paths are; we keep an eye on them as what has been ordered," he stressed.

The Indonesian Navy has seized seven ships carrying CPO in Indonesian territorial waters for allegedly violating the law, Margono informed. In addition, the Navy has seized 11 coal-laden ships suspected of breaking the law.

"We will process (the ships) further. For this reason, with the rise of these illegal exports, we hope for the community's support if they find something like this to convey to us so we can follow up," he explained.

Recently, the Indonesian government imposed a policy banning the export of cooking oil and its raw materials, including CPO, which came into effect on Thursday (April 28, 2022). The decision regarding the ban was made after President Joko Widodo held a meeting with his ministers last week (April 22).

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Translator: Syaiful H, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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