Durian. Indonesian Chief Security Minister Mahfud M.D. said on Feb.26 that the country authorities have found that Iran-flag and Panama-flag tankers had violated Indonesian Criminal Law and are now detained with their crews in Batam Port in Riau Islands.
The conclusion was made after a series of coordination among related government institutions including the National Police (Polri), Attorney General Office (AGO), the Navy (TNI AL), the Transportation Ministry and the National Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla).
Those super tankers – MT Horse of Iran and MT Freya of Panama – have been detained since Jan.24.
“The tankers and crews are now detained in Batam for further legal process,” Mahfud said in Jakarta.
Head of Bakamla Aan Kurnia said the ships had conducted illegal activities in Indonesia’s waters around Pontianak, West Kalimantan.
“The ships were caught-red handed have conducted illegal activities in Indonesian waters,” Kurnia said.
Deputy for domestic political affairs at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Agus Purnomo indicated illegal activities that were conducted by the two foreign tankers was related to marine waste issue.
The two ships switched off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) and entering Indonesia’s territory without permit.
“Hopefully in the near future, we can determine who should responsible and declare the suspect,” Sugeng said.
