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| West Manggarai Police Arrest Suspect for Smuggling Hundreds of Detonators for Fish Bombing. |
Labuan Bajo – The Water Police Unit (Satpolair) of the West Manggarai Police successfully arrested a 39-year-old man, identified as L, for allegedly smuggling hundreds of detonators. Authorities suspect that the explosives were intended for illegal fish bombing in the waters of Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Arrest Made After Two-Month Investigation
According to the Head of the West Manggarai Water Police, AKP Dimas Yusuf Fadhillah Rahmanto, S.Tr.K., S.I.K., the suspect was a seller who arrived from Sulawesi. The detonators were smuggled using a commercial cargo ship.
"The suspect came directly from Sulawesi and smuggled the detonators using a cargo ship," explained AKP Dimas Yusuf.
The arrest followed reports from local residents who noticed suspicious activities around the Labuan Bajo waters. After conducting a two-month investigation, a joint team from the West Manggarai Water Police and the Police Vessel (KP) Pinguin 5011 of the National Police Headquarters successfully apprehended the suspect.
100 Detonators Confiscated
During the search, officers found 100 detonators hidden inside a small brown bag. The suspect admitted that these detonators were planned to be assembled into fuse cords for fish bombs, capable of producing up to 1,000 explosive bottles.
"This illegal operation has been running for the past three years. However, this is the first time the suspect attempted to distribute them in Labuan Bajo," said AKP Dimas Yusuf.
The suspect, along with the seized evidence—including the detonators, bag, mobile phone, and cargo ship ticket—is now being held on board the KP Pinguin 5011. Authorities suspect that the detonators were intended to be sold to fishermen at a price of IDR 8 million per box.
"The method was to transport detonators and assemble them into fish bombs for personal financial gain," he added.
Severe Legal Consequences
L (39) is now facing charges under Article 1, Paragraph (1) of Indonesia’s Emergency Law No. 12 of 1951 regarding firearms and explosives. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison, a life sentence, or even the death penalty.
Devastating Impact of Fish Bombing in Labuan Bajo
Fish bombing is one of the most destructive illegal practices, causing severe damage to marine ecosystems. The blasts from fish bombs not only kill fish but also destroy coral reefs, which serve as habitats for marine life. This is particularly alarming in the Komodo National Park area, known for its stunning underwater biodiversity.
With this arrest, authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on explosive smuggling to protect the marine environment and maintain the beauty of Labuan Bajo’s waters.
"We will not tolerate illegal practices like this. We will continue monitoring and taking firm action against those attempting to harm our marine ecosystem," emphasized AKP Dimas Yusuf.
The arrest of L (39) serves as a strong warning to other fish bombers to cease their destructive activities, as such actions not only damage the environment but also threaten Indonesia’s marine tourism industry.
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