JAKARTA, Dec 2 — At least 17 Indonesian migrant workers and 24 Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted by the Indonesian Navy on Saturday while attempting to be smuggled into Malaysia, off the coast of Dumai in Riau province.
A joint operation by the Fleet One Quick Response team from Dumai Naval Base and the First Fleet Command thwarted the smuggling attempt at Pelintung Beach, Medang Kampai.
The operation led to the arrest of two men, identified as YN, 43, from Bangkinang and BH, 39, from Dumai, who are suspected of involvement in human trafficking, according to a statement from the Indonesian Navy today.
“The suspects were handed over to (the) Dumai police for further legal processing, while the migrants were taken to the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Post Dumai and the Dumai Immigration Office for registration and further action,” said Dumai Naval Base spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Priatno.
He said the operation was based on intelligence regarding a planned smuggling route from Dumai to Malaysia, with the sea unit intercepting the suspect boat and the land unit identifying a multi-purpose vehicle transporting the migrants.
Meanwhile, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali called on all personnel to enhance vigilance and take decisive action against any illegal activities in Indonesia’s territorial waters.
— Bernama
