Indonesian Navy intercepts smuggled clothing from Malaysia

hartono · Apr 13, 2026

File photo - Used clothing packed in sacks found by TNI AL personnel in Juata Laut, Tarakan, North Kalimantan, April 10, 2026. (ANTARA/HO-TNI AL Public Relations)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) foiled an attempt to smuggle used clothing from Malaysia through Juata Laut, Tarakan, North Kalimantan, on Friday (April 11).

A press release received in Jakarta on Monday said the smuggling attempt was thwarted by personnel from the Navy Regional Command (Kodaeral) XIII.

Navy Information Service Head, First Admiral Tunggul, said the case began after personnel received information about smuggling activities in the coastal area of Juata Laut.

Based on the information, officers conducted surveillance and later found a pickup truck carrying used clothing bales at the site.

"A total of 11 bales are suspected to have originated from Malaysia," Tunggul said.

He added that the perpetrators had fled before the raid.

"Although the perpetrators escaped, there are strong indications that this activity involved an organized cross-border smuggling network between Malaysia and Indonesia," he said.

The seized goods were handed over to the police for further legal proceedings.

Tunggul affirmed that the Indonesian Navy will continue to take firm action against the smuggling of illegal goods into and out of Indonesia.