Three men detained after police intercept undocumented alcohol shipment near Tanjung Riau.
A routine maritime patrol in Batam waters led police to a wooden speedboat carrying dozens of cartons of alcoholic beverages that authorities allege lacked required customs and excise documentation.
Speedboat Stopped Near Tanjung Riau
The Riau Islands Police’s Water and Air Police Directorate, or Ditpolairud Polda Kepri, intercepted a wooden speedboat in the waters off Tanjung Riau, Batam, on October 9, 2026. Police said officers from the enforcement unit were conducting a maritime patrol at around 1:20 p.m. when they stopped the orange speedboat, named DOA IBU, which was powered by a 150-horsepower Yamaha engine.
Police Find 60 Cartons of Carlsberg
During the inspection, officers found 30 bundles containing about 60 cartons of Carlsberg alcoholic beverages. According to police, the shipment was allegedly being transported without the required customs documentation and official excise stamps. The speedboat itself was also reported to be operating without a Sailing Approval Letter, or SPB, from the harbormaster.
Three Men Taken Into Custody
Police detained three men identified by their initials as AW, 26; A, 45; and BD, 59. AW was identified as the boat captain, A as a crew member, and BD as the person responsible for the cargo. The report said the three were believed to be from Indragiri Hilir.
Cargo Reportedly Bound for Guntung
During the initial examination, the three men reportedly told officers that the alcoholic beverages were being transported to Guntung and that it was their first time carrying such a shipment. Police also seized the DOA IBU speedboat as evidence while investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the cargo.
Legal Process Continues
Authorities said the three men could face provisions under Indonesia’s Customs Law and Excise Law related to transporting regulated goods without the required documentation. No final determination of criminal responsibility has been made, and police said further investigation will establish each individual’s legal responsibility.
For Indonesians, particularly residents of Batam and the Riau Islands, the case highlights ongoing maritime enforcement involving undocumented cargo moving through local waters. For Singaporean readers following developments in nearby Batam, it also provides a view of how Indonesian authorities are policing regulated goods transported by sea.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , iNews (2026)
Keywords: Batam Alcohol Seizure, Tanjung Riau Speedboat, Kepri Maritime Police, Illegal Alcohol Batam, Carlsberg Seizure, Batam Waters
