Brigadier General Awang Joko Rumitro, head of Jakarta’s BNN, congratulated Kodaeral III for the successful operation during a press conference at the Navy headquarters in North Jakarta.
“This large seizure reflects strong collaboration between law enforcement and the Navy in combating drug trafficking,” Awang said.
He added the bust aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to making narcotics a top national priority, marking a first in presidential policy.
Rear Admiral Uki Prasetia, commander of Kodaeral III, said the operation followed intelligence about meth smuggling from Pontianak, West Kalimantan, aboard the KM Kelimutu ferry to Jakarta.
Officers stationed at the passenger terminal Monday morning detained a suspect carrying three taped packets of methamphetamine hidden under a corset.
Further investigation led to the capture of three accomplices attempting to flee in a vehicle near the port.
In total, authorities seized 16 packets weighing 10.344 kilograms. The four suspects are undergoing further questioning at Jakarta’s metropolitan police headquarters.
Awang noted that meth smuggled via West Kalimantan often originates from neighboring Malaysia, with Jakarta serving as a key distribution hub due to high demand.
Rear Admiral Uki emphasized the Navy’s ongoing commitment to enhancing maritime surveillance to prevent illegal drugs from entering the capital.
Authorities continue investigating the smuggling network and distribution channels.
The Indonesian Navy has been active in foiling drug smuggling attempts.
On October 7, 2025, for instance, the Navy foiled an attempt to smuggle 9 kilograms of suspected drug precursors, including ecstasy and cocaine, off the coast of Bintan, Riau Islands Province.
Despite Indonesia’s strict drug laws, including life imprisonment and the death penalty for traffickers, the country remains a key target for international drug syndicates.
The domestic drug market is valued at around US$4.3 billion, with 3.4 million users nationwide, according to the National Narcotics Agency.
In August, a 21-year-old Ukrainian woman, Kateryna Vakarova, was arrested in Bali for allegedly smuggling nearly 2 kilograms of synthetic drugs through Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Related news: BNN suspects meth seized at Tanjung Priok originated from Malaysia
Related news: BNN, N Sumatra police seize 1.7 tons of drugs in major joint operation
Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
