Four suspects, identified as MR (38), PA (46), SA (36), and DO (26), were arrested. Officers seized eight suitcases containing 172 packages of lobster seeds, totaling 172,611 specimens.
“The operation began with intelligence from our analysis team, which suspected lobster seeds were being smuggled in passenger luggage,” said Gatot Sugeng Wibowo, head of the Soekarno-Hatta Customs Office.
A joint team flagged eight suspicious bags checked for AirAsia flight QZ-264 from Jakarta to Singapore. Inside, they found 54 packages containing 52,400 sand lobster seeds.
The suspects claimed they were instructed by individuals identified only as A and S to pick up the suitcases from Terminal 2 and deliver them in Singapore for a promised fee of Rp10 million to Rp15 million each.
PA’s luggage held 32 packages with 32,287 sand lobsters; MR’s had 40 packages with 40,000; and SA’s contained 46 packages with 47,924 lobsters—46,342 sand and 1,582 pearl variety.
“Lobster seeds are a restricted export and require permits under Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 7/2024,” Gatot said.
The seized seeds will be released back into the wild on October 24 at Carita Beach, Pandeglang, in coordination with Barantin and the Coastal and Marine Resource Management Center (PSPL) Serang.
“The export restriction supports domestic aquaculture, promotes larger lobster exports, and helps preserve wild stocks,” he added.
Indonesia remains prone to lobster seed smuggling.
On September 16, police intercepted 50,000 lobster seeds in Cianjur, West Java. A joint police unit stopped a vehicle carrying seven boxes of lobster seeds.
Earlier, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka urged a fast-tracked presidential decree to combat smuggling, citing successful lobster farming in Batam with exports to Singapore.
“This regulation must be fast-tracked to stop these smuggling practices. Our marine wealth is extraordinary and must be protected for the welfare of our people,” Gibran said after a lobster harvest at the Marine Aquaculture Center in Batam, Riau Islands, on September 10.
Related news: VP Gibran urges fast-track regulation to curb lobster seed smuggling
Related news: Minister urges collaboration on seed smuggling eradication
Translator: Azmi SM, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
