Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budhi Utama said in a written statement on Friday that the interception was part of a multi-layered monitoring strategy aimed at preventing significant state losses and protecting marine ecosystems from illegal trade.
Utama noted that attempts to smuggle lobster seeds not only violate the law but also threaten the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine resources.
“Every instance of lobster seed smuggling harms fishermen and undermines the sustainability of the national fisheries industry,” Utama said.
He added that Customs and Excise plays a key role in preventing illegal exploitation that directly affects the welfare of Indonesian communities.
During the operation, Customs and Excise officers apprehended four passengers, identified as FE, DR, UH, and FD, who were departing for Cambodia and Singapore on different flights.
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During inspections, officers discovered four suitcases containing clear lobster seeds (puerulus stage) concealed in wet blankets and packed in sealed plastic bags filled with oxygen and ice coolers.
An inspection of FE revealed 24,770 Pasir lobster seeds (scalloped spiny lobster), wrapped in wet blankets and plastic.
Meanwhile, DR was found carrying 29,780 Pasir lobster seeds, also wrapped in wet blankets and plastic. DR was reportedly instructed by UH to transport the seeds and was paid Rp5 million (approximately US$297) for the task.
UH was later intercepted and questioned by Customs officers on another flight, along with his associate FD. Investigators uncovered an attempt to smuggle 43,615 Pasir lobster seeds using similar concealment methods to evade detection.
All suspects were detained at the Soekarno-Hatta Customs Office for further investigation under Article 102A of Law Number 17 of 2006 on Customs, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp5 billion (approximately US$296,569).
“We will continue to strengthen coordination and supervision to ensure that Indonesia’s natural resources are used optimally for the welfare of the people, not exploited illegally for the benefit of a few,” Utama said.
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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