Attempt to smuggle 321,990 lobster seeds via air route detected and dismantled by Batam Customs
Batam Customs has thwarted a major lobster seed smuggling attempt worth Rp 48 billion (SGD 3.77 million), unveiling a new air cargo modus operandi in a coordinated operation at Hang Nadim International Airport.
Authorities in Batam intercepted two separate air cargo shipments attempting to illegally export a total of 321,990 baby lobsters, or benih bening lobster (BBL), on May 2, 2025. The operation, coordinated by the Batam Customs Compliance and Information Services Division, signaled a shift from the traditionally used sea routes to a more covert air cargo method. Evi Octavia, Head of the division, confirmed that one suspect, identified by the initial Y (26), was apprehended in connection with the shipments.
First Interception Unveils Hidden Cargo
The first interception took place around 10:30 AM WIB when Customs officials analyzed the cargo manifest of Garuda Indonesia flight GA 152 from Jakarta. A suspicious Air Way Bill (AWB) labeled as “garment” raised red flags. Upon arrival at Hang Nadim Airport, inspections uncovered 158,790 BBL hidden in oxygen-filled plastic bags—consisting of 157,749 sand lobsters and 1,041 pearl lobsters—valued at approximately Rp 23.8 billion or SGD 1.86 million.
Follow-Up Leads to Second Seizure
Further investigations led to a second cargo on Garuda Indonesia flight GA 156, arriving at 6:21 PM WIB. Officials found seven suspicious containers holding 163,200 sand lobster seeds. The second batch was valued at Rp 24.5 billion or SGD 1.91 million, bringing the total to Rp 48.3 billion or SGD 3.77 million. Both shipments were traced back to the same recipient, confirming a calculated effort to smuggle marine species using disguised air freight.
Conservation Efforts and Legal Ramifications
All confiscated BBL were handed over to the Batam Marine Aquaculture Center (BPBL) and released into the waters surrounding Pulau Galang on the same night. The operation involved various agencies, including Polda Kepri, Bakamla RI, BAIS TNI, Batam Quarantine Office, and Lanud Hang Nadim. The move aims to protect the sustainability of Indonesia’s lobster population from the threats posed by illegal trade.
Evi emphasized that the perpetrators’ switch from maritime to air routes represents a new smuggling trend. “We anticipate these changes through routine patrols and heightened inspection protocols,” she stated. The proactive approach by Batam Customs underscores the government’s commitment to preserving national marine biodiversity and thwarting illicit exports.
Severe Penalties Await Perpetrators
The suspect now faces charges under multiple Indonesian laws. He may be prosecuted under Article 102A of Law No. 17/2006 on Customs, carrying up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rp 5 billion or SGD 390,000. Additional penalties under the Fisheries Law and Quarantine Law could further compound the punishment, including fines up to Rp 3 billion or SGD 234,000, reflecting the seriousness with which the state treats environmental crimes.
This successful operation not only highlights Indonesia’s resolve to combat environmental crimes but also signals a call for vigilance across regional trade and aviation sectors. With Batam acting as a gateway to Singapore and beyond, enhanced scrutiny at border points benefits both Indonesian marine sustainability and regional wildlife protection.
Sources: Detik (2025), Batam Pos (2025)
Keywords: Batam Customs, Lobster Smuggling, Marine Protection, Wildlife Crime, Hang Nadim Airport, Air Cargo Inspection
