The Indonesian Maritime Authority Agency (Bakamla) prevented a disruption of shipping activities in the Malacca Strait, near the Riau Islands.

Bakamla Public Relations Officer, Major Yuhanes Antara, stated that personnel found a foreign ship, the MV Truong An 05, sailing under the Vietnamese flag, anchored in Indonesian waters.

He added that the bulk carrier was identified by the agency’s Command and Control Center while engaging in suspicious activities, including drifting and anchoring 19 nm from Tanjung Tamiang, Riau Islands.

He said that the vessel posed a risk to other ships crossing the busy waterway and could lead to accidents or collisions.

The vessel had a captain and 17 crew members but carried no cargo.

Officials connected the ship’s captain, who said that engine failure was the reason why they had to anchor the vessel in Indonesian territory.

An inspection was performed, and no illegal items were found onboard.

The engine was repaired, and the ship departed later that afternoon.

Yuhanes added that the officials waited for the ship to be repaired and ready to sail. They also warned other vessels in the vicinity to avoid the area.

Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Umar Dhani said that his fleet patrolled the area during the incident.

Dhani stated that everything was done according to procedure, and the presence of foreign ships in Indonesian waters will always be monitored to prevent violations and maintain security.

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