Customs officers intercept high-speed boat carrying illegal lobster seeds to Malaysia in major Kepri maritime operation.

Indonesian authorities have thwarted a major lobster seed smuggling attempt in the waters north of Bintan, Riau Islands, seizing 281,583 baby lobsters worth an estimated Rp28.1 billion (around SGD 2.25 million). The operation underscores Indonesia’s intensified crackdown on illegal marine trade and its commitment to preserving national maritime resources.

High-Speed Pursuit Ends with Abandoned Boat

The dramatic seizure unfolded early on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, when patrol units from the Riau Islands Customs Office (DJBC Kepri) intercepted a High Speed Craft (HSC) believed to be transporting illegal Benih Bening Lobster (BBL), or baby lobsters, out of Indonesia.
Customs officers had received intelligence a day earlier about a vessel preparing to smuggle lobster seeds across the northern maritime border. During surveillance near Tanjung Berakit, Bintan, officials spotted the high-speed vessel heading north toward Malaysian waters.

Smugglers Flee, Leaving Cargo Behind

A one-hour sea chase ensued as the HSC attempted evasive maneuvers. The pursuit ended when the smugglers intentionally grounded their boat and fled, leaving the cargo behind. Officers discovered 36 oxygen-filled boxes containing live lobster seeds. “We secured all 281,583 baby lobsters, valued at Rp28.1 billion,” said Adhang Noegroho Adhi, Head of DJBC Kepri, during a press conference at the Batam Marine Aquaculture Center.

Coordinated Maritime Enforcement

The confiscated lobsters were later handed over to the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Supervision (PSDKP) for further handling. Adhang emphasized that the operation reflects Customs’ firm resolve to combat illegal marine activities and protect Indonesia’s maritime wealth. “We are strengthening coordination with PSDKP, the Batam Marine Aquaculture Center, and the Indonesian Quarantine Agency,” he said, noting that the move aligns with President Joko Widodo’s ASTA CITA directive for natural resource protection.

Legal Consequences for Maritime Crimes

Authorities confirmed that the case falls under multiple legal provisions, including:

• Article 102A, Law No. 17/2006 (Customs): up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of Rp5 billion.
• Article 88, Law No. 31/2004 (Fisheries): up to 8 years imprisonment and a fine of Rp1.5 billion.
• Article 87, Law No. 21/2019 (Quarantine): up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of Rp3 billion.

These charges reflect Indonesia’s stringent legal stance against environmental and economic crimes that exploit marine biodiversity.

Ongoing Battle Against Marine Smuggling

Lobster seed smuggling has long been a lucrative illegal trade due to high international demand, particularly in neighboring countries. Indonesia, home to rich marine ecosystems, has repeatedly warned against such practices that deplete local fisheries and harm long-term sustainability. DJBC Kepri’s latest interception demonstrates growing inter-agency coordination to protect maritime borders and uphold marine resource sovereignty.

The successful interception of Rp28 billion worth of lobster seeds in Bintan highlights Indonesia’s intensified vigilance against marine smuggling networks. As cross-border enforcement strengthens, the nation reaffirms its stance on safeguarding biodiversity and maritime sovereignty—an effort crucial not only for Indonesia but also for regional partners like Singapore that depend on sustainable marine ecosystems.

Sources: Batamnews (2025) , Ulasan.co (2025)

Keywords: Lobster Seed Smuggling, Bintan Operation, Bea Cukai, Marine Resources, Illegal Trade