Natuna authorities seize undocumented food imports

Authorities in Natuna, Indonesia, have seized hundreds of sacks of undocumented food commodities during a joint operation between the Riau Islands Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Station (BKHIT) and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL).

The inspection took place at Penagi Port on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during a check of the Roll On-Roll Off (Ro-Ro) vessel KMP Bahtera Nusantara 01. Officials discovered various items lacking required quarantine certificates from their regions of origin.

Among the seized goods were hundreds of sacks of red and white onions, dried chilies, dried anchovies, apples, pears, grapes, carrots, and processed meat products. Iwan Setiawan, head of the Natuna Quarantine Service, noted that onions are subject to specific regulations regarding designated entry points and usage. All confiscated items have been moved to the Natuna Service Station for further investigation and handling.