Off the coast of Dumai in Riau province, the Indonesian Navy on Saturday stopped at least 17 Indonesian migrant labourers and 24 Bangladeshi nationals from trying to enter Malaysia illegally.

The smuggling attempt at Pelintung Beach, Medang Kampai, was stopped by a coordinated effort by the First Fleet Command and the Fleet One Quick Response team from Dumai Naval Base.

According to a statement released by the Indonesian Navy on Monday, the operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals accused of involvement in human trafficking: YN (43) from Bangkinang and BH (39) from Dumai.

"The suspects were handed over to Dumai Police for further legal processing, while the migrants were taken to the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Post (P4MI) Dumai and the Dumai Immigration Office for registration and further action,” the spokesperson for Dumai Naval Base Lieutenant Colonel Priatno said.

He explained that 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, the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy Admiral Muhammad Ali called on all personnel to enhance vigilance and take decisive action against any illegal activities in Indonesia’s territorial waters. - Bernama.