Six defendants face capital punishment over 2 tons of meth seized in Kepri waters

Indonesia’s hardline stance against large scale narcotics trafficking was on full display in Batam this week, as prosecutors pushed for the harshest possible punishment in one of the country’s biggest drug smuggling cases to date.

Prosecutors Demand Capital Punishment
The Batam District Attorney’s Office in the Riau Islands has formally demanded the death penalty for six defendants accused of smuggling two tons of methamphetamine. The narcotics were transported using the Sea Dragon Terawa ship and intercepted in the waters of the Riau Islands, a region long considered a key transit point for cross border drug trafficking.

Court Hearing in Batam
The demands were read during a trial held at the Batam District Court on Thursday, February 5. Prosecutors presented their conclusions before the panel of judges, stating that the defendants’ actions met the legal threshold for the most severe punishment under Indonesian law.

Defendants Include Foreign and Local Nationals
The six defendants consist of two Thai nationals, Weerepat Phongwan, also known as Mr Pong, and Teerapong Lekpradube, along with four Indonesian citizens, Fandi Ramadhan, Richard Halomoan, Leo Candra Samosir, and Hasiholan Samosir. All were charged for their alleged roles in coordinating and executing the massive drug shipment.

Charges Under Indonesia’s Narcotics Law
According to prosecutor Gutirio Kurniawan, as reported by ANTARA, the defendants were proven to have “legally and convincingly committed a crime without rights or against the law.” The charges were filed under Article 114 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph (1) of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, which allows for capital punishment in cases involving large quantities and organized distribution.

Equal Sentencing Sought for All Accused
The prosecutor specifically requested that the court sentence Weerepat Phongwan to death, with an order that he remain detained in a state prison. Similar death penalty demands were subsequently read out for the remaining five defendants, signaling that prosecutors viewed all parties as equally responsible for the crime.

Part of a Broader Anti Drug Effort
This case underscores Indonesia’s continued zero tolerance approach toward major drug syndicates, particularly those operating across national borders. Authorities have repeatedly warned that traffickers exploiting Indonesia’s maritime routes will face uncompromising legal consequences.

The Batam meth smuggling trial highlights the severity with which Indonesia treats large scale narcotics crimes, especially those involving international networks. For Indonesians and Singaporeans alike, the case serves as a stark reminder of the region’s shared security challenges and the high stakes faced by those involved in transnational drug trafficking.

Sources: VOI (2026) , EN Antara (2026)

Keywords: Batam Drug Case, Methamphetamine Smuggling, Death Penalty Indonesia, Kepri Waters